Saddex Captures Rheinland-Pokal

Favorite Laverock could do no better than fourth as Saddex powered to a 1 1/4-length victory in the Rheinland-Pokal der Sparkasse KolnBonn (Ger-I) at Cologne on August 12.

Laverock, a 5-year-old son of Octagonal owned by Godolphin, took an early lead under Frankie Dettori in the 1 1/2-mile contest, but he was unable to withstand the challenge of the Peter Rau-trained Saddex, who took command with five furlongs left to run.

Saddex powered away under jockey Torsten Mundry to win easily over First Stream.  Bussoni finished third, another half-length further back.

Final time for the 12 furlongs was 2:30.7 over a turf course rated soft.

Saddex is a 4-year-old colt by Sadler’s Wells out of Remote Romance, by Irish River.  He was bred in England by the Niarchos family, and was sold as a yearling at the October 2004 Deauville sale. 

Remote Romance is a winning half-sister to group I/grade I winners Chimes of Freedom and Denon.  Champions Spinning World and Aldebaran also hail from this tremendous female family.