Qatar Prix Chaudenay : Manobo and Kemari take charge

Restricted to three-year-old stayers, the Qatar Prix Chaudenay (Group 2) was dominated by owners Godolphin, who took both first and second places with Manobo and Kemari. The pair are trained in Newmarket by Charlie Appleby. Manobo is now unbeaten in four outings. Saturday’s success marked a first at group level for the colt. Second placed Kemari was already a winner at group level, having scored at Ascot on his penultimate start. Disappointing at York, Kemari showed his true form this weekend. Godolphin and Charlie Appleby have kick-started their weekend in the best possible way: the duo is doubly represented in Sunday’s 100^th running of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with Adayar and Hurricane Lane, two of the more fancied runners in the race.

The first French-trained runner past the post was Tides of War, placing third.

Quotes from connections

Charlie Appleby (Trainer of Manobo, 1st, and Kemari, 2^nd)

“Manobo is still learning his trade. That was a very good performance from him. We are also extremely happy with Kemari second placing. To have both the first and second is super. Next year, Cadran could be a good option for Manobo.”

James Doyle (Jockey of Manobo, 1st)

“It is very important to start the weekend off like this. Coming into the race, I really liked our chances. He is still very immature and really hasn’t run that much. I had a few doubts about him on the ground but he has surprised me there and showed a great turn of foot when I needed it.”

Hugo Besnier (Jockey of Tides of War, 3rd)

“Tides of War produced a strong turn of foot to take a clear third place. Before the race, we were hoping he would be placed and he has done just that. He was very brave in the straight and kept galloping to the line. He is a colt that will be even better in softer conditions and I am very happy with his performance.”