Nassau Stakes Winner Good as Gold

Alexander Goldrun secured her fourth group I win in as many different countries at Goodwood with a dazzlingly smooth victory in the Vodafone Nassau Stakes (Eng-I) Saturday.

Returning to 10 furlongs following her defeat by Soviet Song in the Falmouth Stakes (Eng-I) over a mile at Newmarket July 5, the 4-year-old filly swept to a 1 ¼-length victory over Oaks (Eng-I) disappointment Cassydora, with the consistent Red Bloom one length back in third.

Held up towards the rear by her jockey Kevin Manning, Alexander Goldrun was brought to deliver on the outside of the 12-strong field. Once she hit the front with just over a furlong to go the result was not in question.

Her trainer Jim Bolger is now eyeing the Prix Vermeille (Fr-I) at Longchamp Sept. 11 prior to bidding for a repeat win in the Hong Kong Cup (HK-I) at Sha Tin in December.

Bolger said he was concerned by a slight bump in the closing stages between his horse and Red Bloom. "I thought it might just knock her off her stride as she is not a big filly but unfortunately it didn't. I was also worried she might have hit the front too soon but all's well that end's well."

For all Bolger's worries, Alexander Goldrun, who looked full of beans in the paddock, landed the first prize of £116,000 with complete authority.

"She's a very, very good filly," her rider Manning said. "She's shown she can handle all types of going and I'm sure there's more to come. This is her ideal distance."

Although runner-up, Cassydora gave a much-needed boost to the Oaks form as none of the 12 runners from the June 3 Epsom classic have won since.