By Sean Cronin
Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum's Move Swiftly (GB) (Farhh {GB}) stepped out of handicap company to run second in Lingfield's Nov. 1 Listed Fleur de Lys S. and made giant strides to plunder Wednesday's G2 Duke of Cambridge S. at Royal Ascot in her first start of 2019.
The 9-1 chance, who prevailed in her sole juvenile start and two of five outings last term, was steadied at the break to race at the tail of the field as Nyaleti (Arch) set the tempo. Still last with three furlongs remaining, she made smooth progress into contention at the quarter-mile marker and kept on resolutely under a drive once launching her challenge entering the final furlong to swoop for a career high in the dying strides, denying Rawdaa (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) by a neck. I Can Fly (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who started as the 7-2 favourite despite carrying a three-pound penalty for winning last term's G2 Solonaway S., also threatened inside the final quarter mile and was best of the rest 1 3/4 lengths adrift in third.
“She enjoyed the ground and we're absolutely thrilled to bits with this filly,” beamed trainer William Haggas after securing a second winner of the week and 10th overall at Royal Ascot. “I haven't got any specific plans for her, but she's won here and that's what matters. I'm very proud of what everyone [at home] has done. She's been hard work, but is very tough and very genuine. She went off to be covered and, fortunately, didn't take to New Approach, so she came back and this is the result.”
Daniel Tudhope became leading rider of the week with the win and added, “I didn't want to be too far back, but I ended up being there for some reason and she did it well. She travelled nicely, she enjoyed the ground and I think she will improve again for that run. They've always liked her at home and she has been a decent filly. This was her first run of the year so she is bound to improve. She was just getting tired on me and I think there is more to come. I couldn't have imagined riding three winners at the start of the week, but we are having a great week and I am riding for good people.”
Of runner-up Rawdaa, trainer Sir Michael Stoute said, “She ran very well, but we were beaten fair and square. I think a mile-and-a-quarter is her trip. We'll have to look at the [July 12 G1] Falmouth [S. over one mile at Newmarket] and see what else might be running, but I'm favouring a mile-and-a-quarter.”
Frankie Dettori added, “She ran a superb race, but the winner was just too strong. She really tried and I can't fault her.”
Aidan O'Brien conveyed similar thoughts when reflecting on the performance of I Can Fly and said, “We weren't expecting this type of ground, but she ran very well and I'm delighted with her run. We think she will progress as the year goes on and there's more improvement to come. I should think the Falmouth is a possibility for her next run.”
Ryan Moore added, “She ran super carrying a penalty and I am very pleased with her.”
Pedigree Notes:
Move Swiftly is one of two winners and the leading performer for three-time winner Hurricane Harriet (GB) (Bertolini) and she is kin to the hitherto unraced 2-year-old colt Habit Rouge (GB) (Helmet {Aus}). Her dam is a half-sister to Listed Severals S. winner Katy Nowaitee (GB) (Komaite), who in turn produced G2 Wellington Cup victor Mister Impatience (GB) (Hernando {Fr}) and GIII Suwannee River S. victress Tottie (GB) (Fantastic Light), and she hails from a family featuring GSW British champion Shoot Clear (Ire) (Bay Express {Ire}) and G1 Yorkshire Oaks heroines Untold (GB) (Final Straw {GB}) and Sally Brown (GB) (Posse).
Wednesday, Royal Ascot, Britain
DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE S.-G2, £175,000, Ascot, 6-19, 4yo/up, f/m, 8fT, 1:42.63, sf.
1–MOVE SWIFTLY (GB), 126, f, 4, by Farhh (GB)
1st Dam: Hurricane Harriet (GB), by Bertolini
2nd Dam: Cold Blow (GB), by Posse
3rd Dam: Warm Wind (GB), by Tumble Wind
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (30,000gns Wlg '15 TATFOA; 70,000gns Ylg '16 TAOCT). O-Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum; B-Mrs K E Collie (GB); T-William Haggas; J-Daniel Tudhope. £99,243. Lifetime Record: 8-4-3-1, $197,107. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Rawdaa (GB), 126, f, 4, Teofilo (Ire)–Lady Lahar (GB), by Fraam (GB). (280,000gns Ylg '16 TATOCT). O-Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah; B-Barry Walters (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute. £37,625.
3–I Can Fly (GB), 129, f, 4, Fastnet Rock (Aus)–Madonna Dell'Orto (GB), by Montjeu (Ire). (240,000gns Ylg '16 TAOCT). O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Rockwell Bloodstock (GB); T-Aidan O'Brien. £18,830.
Margins: NK, 1 3/4, 1. Odds: 9.00, 4.00, 3.50.
Also Ran: Veracious (GB), Di Fede (Ire), Anna Nerium (GB), Nyaleti (Ire), Red Tea (GB), Shenanigans (Ire), Indian Blessing (GB), Agrotera (Ire), Threading (Ire), Pretty Baby (Ire), Preening (GB), Hand On Heart (Ire), Bella Ragazza (GB), Dan's Dream (GB). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton
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