6 October 2018
Photo scoopdyga.com
Alignement (Pivotal) couldn’t dream of better result in the Qatar Prix Dollar (Gr2) just a few hours before he was due to go through the Arqana sale ring, for the Arc Sale. Owned by Wertheimer & Frère, he gave his all to take the victory from Loxley (New Approach), who looked to have the race sewn up. Alignement had the perfect race conditions, with enough pace that he could use his turn of foot to maximum effect. Fabricate (Makfi), in the colours of Her Majesty the Queen of England, finished a very close third.
How they ran
- 1st – Alignement : Sat in second last position. Encouraged along by his jockey, Maxime Guyon, turning into the straight, he had to go around Knight to Behold, who was weakening, 400m from the post. Made up ground progressively from 300m out, in the center of the track, to take the lead in the final strides.
- 2e – Loxley : Jumped well and travelled in fifth position, well covered in behind Subway Dancer. Pulled out in the false straight, he found his gap, and came up to join the leaders turning into the home stretch. He battled bravely, and looked like the winner before ceding to Alignement.
- 3e – Fabricate : Travelled in third position, on the rail, before making his run 400m out. He was tenacious to hold on to third place.
- 4e – Royal Julius : Travelled at his own pace, in the second half of the field, in behind Loxley. Followed the leaders when they accelerated in the straight, staying on well to finish fourth.
- 5e – Master’s Spirit : Had a perfect race in mid-division, and defended himself honourably to finish fifth.
- 6e – Subway Dancer : Jumped well, travelled near the leader, Knight to Behold, but was never dangerous in the finish.
- 7e – Noor Al Hawa : Travelled in the second half of the field. Made a effort turning into the straight, but weakened quickly.
- 8e – Knight to Behold : In his usual running style, led the race but couldn’t find any more once mid way down the straight.
- 9e – Whisky Baron : Travelled in last position, and downed arms early in the straight.
Quotes
Carlos Laffon-Parias (Trainer of Alignement, 1st)
“We entered him hoping for a place and everything worked out best for him. It was a pleasant surprise. That’s good because the bad surprises are more often! He had a good pace and the other runners went to attack a bit early. The last challenger was right, as it happens when they come to the second post. He will go on to the sales and has given himself the best possible update. If he doesn’t sell, he will stay at home and I wouldn’t mind that! He is a very good horse and has shown himself to be so on several occasions. He is perfect for 2000m and loves the soft ground.”
Charles Appleby (trainer of Loxley, 2nd)
“He ran brilliantly and travelled well on the track. William [Buick, ndlr] thinks that he accelerated too early but I don’t think that’s the case. The winner waited for the right time before quickening to finish and he’s a good horse. We are very happy and I think he will stay on 2000m in the future. He is a good 4 year old and will surely go to Meydan for a race like the Jebel Hatta.”
Michael Bell (trainer of Fabricate, 3rd)
“The best performance of his career. We are very satisfied and he ran brilliantly. In 2019, he should follow the same programme as this year and why not come back here as well.”
Le palmarès
Année Lauréat Entraîneur Propriétaire Jockey Temps
2018 Alignement C. Laffon-Parias Wertheimer & Frère M. Guyon 2’02’’23
2017 Garlingari C. Barande-Barbe C. Barande-Barbe S. Pasquier 2’04’’48
2016 Potemkin A. Wohler K. Allofs/Gestut Fahrhof E. Pedroza 2’06’’54
2015 Free Port Lux F. Head O. Thomas T. Jarnet 1’59’’58
2014 Fractional A. Fabre Darley SNC R. Marchelli 2’05’’78