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$3 million Emirates Airline Turf

Duke of Marmalade bounced back and forth between England and Ireland as racing officials sought a workable site and date for this week's Juddmonte International. When they settled on Newmarket and Saturday as a replacement for waterlogged York, "The Duke" was more than ready. The 4-year-old Danehill colt, already victorious in four straight Group 1 events, sat behind stablemate Red Rock Canyon until the late going, then went on to win by 3/4 length over Phoenix Tower, who was second for the fourth straight time. New Approach, making his first appearance since winning the Derby in June, settled for a non-threatening third. "He is just one of those very special horses and you can see that yourself," said winning trainer Aidan O'Brien. Duke of Marmalade came into the Juddmonte off victories in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. O'Brien said he will be back in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Sept. 6, possibly for a rematch with New Approach.

Shakis charged to the lead on the outside in the final furlong of Saturday's $200,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga and went on to win the event for the second straight year, finishing 3/4 length ahead of War Monger. Operation Red Dawn ran from far back to finish third. Shakis, an 8-year-old, Irish-bred son of Machiavellian, finished the 9 furlongs on firm going in 1:46.78 with Alan Garcia riding for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. Shakis had not won in four starts since last year's Baruch victory. In his last start, he finished ninth in the Manhattan Handicap in June at Belmont Park. "He's very sound and he trains good," said McLaughlin. "We just wish they ran the Bernard Baruch twice a year."

Spring House came between the leaders at mid-stretch in Saturday's $250,000 Del Mar Handicap to bid for the lead, then edged clear in the final furlong to win by 1 1/2 lengths over Transduction Gold. You Got Me Rocking finished third. Spring House, a 6-year-old, Kentucky-bred Chester House gelding, ran the 1 3/8 miles on firm turf in 2:11.14, earning an automatic bid to the Breeders' Cup. Corey Nakatani had the mount for trainer Julio Canani. "When you have one like this, it makes it easy. He's a Breeders' Cup caliber horse. There's no doubt about that," said Nakatani. Canani hinted at something other than the Turf. "He trains sensational on this synthetic track," the conditioner said. "I might have to try to run a race on it sometime."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 08/25/2008

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