Buzzword completed a superb weekend of racing for Godolphin when he captured the Deutsches Derby (Ger-I) at Hamburg July 18. The victory came on the heels of an impressive win by Godolphin's Campanologist in the Grosser Preis von Lotto Hamburg (Ger-I) the previous day.
Entering the German Derby on a seven-race losing streak, Buzzword was dismissed by the racing public at 12-1. Favoritism was given to Monterosso, who had captured the King Edward VII Stakes (Eng-II) at Royal Ascot in June before finishing a close fourth in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Ire-I).
Longshot Lamool went to the front at the break and led the field through moderate fractions during the early stages of the 12-furlong contest. Buzzword was forwardly placed by jockey Royston Ffrench as the field split into two separate groups.
Both Monterosso and Zazou, a highly-regarded German runner, were well-placed in the leading group and looked primed to make their moves at any time. As the field rounded the final turn and entered the home straight, Buzzword swept to the front, running on strongly to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Zazou, who had made up ground along the rail to grab second.
Sir Lando finished third, two lengths further back. However, he was disqualified and placed fourth for interfering with Russian Tango, who was then moved up to third by the stewards. Monterosso faded in the final furlong to finish seventh.
Final time for the 12 furlongs was 2:29.51 over the good turf course.
The victory by Buzzword gave both Godolphin’s rookie trainer, Mahmood Al Zarooni, and jockey Ffrench their first classic victories. Buzzword became the first overseas winner to capture the race.
Buzzword is a 3-year-old colt by Pivotal out of the stakes-winning Danehill mare Bustling. Buzzword, who was bred in England by Darley, hails from the immediate female family of champion Saumarez and multiple group I winner Lush Lashes.
Buzzword
Anne M. Eberhardt