3 minute read
G1 Review: Sealiway - Ascot Champion Stakes Success.
Sealiway gave France a third victory in the G1 Champion Stakes (2000m) since the race moved to Ascot (UK) a decade ago with an impressive yet gutsy display.
The son of Galiway arrived following a good fifth in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2400m) just thirteen days ago. That gruelling test at Longchamp showed no signs having a detrimental effect.
In fact, he looked sharper for that run, travelling supremely well in-behind the pacesetters before moving past last year's winner Addeybb at the 600m and joining the G1 Epsom Derby (2400m) and G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2400m) winner Adayar 200m later. As Adayar folded tamely, 2011 Epsom Derby winning jockey Mickael Barzalona sensed his opportunity and the pair kicked for home. The duo were quickly chased by the rapidly improving Dubai Honour and G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas (1600m) winner Mac Swiney, but the Cedric Rossi-trained three-year-old pulled out all the stops and was never headed.
The success completed a delightful thirteen days for the Marseille-based Cedric Rossi, who saddled his first Group One winner when Rougir landed the G1 Prix de l'Opera (2000m) on G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2400m) day just under a fortnight ago. It was also a second top-class victory for Sealiway following his impressive display in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (1400m) as a two-year-old.
Perhaps the triumph should be considered even more impressive given Sealiway only joined his current trainer after finishing runner-up in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) in June, having been formerly trained by his uncle, Frederic.
The G1 Champion Stakes (2000m) offers a win-and-your-in place in next month's Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar (USA) and trainer Cedric Rossi did not rule out that his champion three-year-old could run again this year, despite his liking for soft ground. He also suggested it would be likely that the Le Haras De La Gousserie-owned colt would return at four, setting up some potential mouth-watering clashes for the flat racing enthusiast next season.
