Alcohol-Free’s mid-pack placing in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot suggested that Andrew Balding’s plan to convert the Group One-winning miler into a Group One-winning sprinter might be quietly shelved.
But Jeff Smith, the owner, and breeder of Alcohol-Free had different plans, and his filly proved to be a very quick learner. On Saturday, the four-year-old was sent out as a 14-1 underdog for the July Cup against a field that included three of the horses that defeated her at Ascot, and she easily reversed the form.
Naval Crown, the close winner of the Platinum Jubilee, took the lead and Rob Hornby’s Alcohol-Free, who was positioned just behind him, appeared considerably more at ease at sprinting speed than she did three weeks earlier. Naval Crown had little response when Hornby sent her to the lead with a furlong to go, ultimately finishing a length and a half behind Alcohol-Free, with Artorius, who finished third at Ascot after coming from off the pace to take the same position here.
Anna Lisa Balding, the trainer’s wife, stated that much of the credit belonged to the owner. Neither Smith nor Andrew Balding was present at Newmarket to celebrate her victory.
She stated, “Jeff has always believed that six furlongs are the ideal distance, so he deserves a great deal of credit.” “She is such a wonderful filly; she is eccentric, but we all adore her. She rarely disappoints and has an enormous heart.
It was also a momentous occasion for Hornby, who was still searching for his first Group One victory in his career on Friday morning and was likely still bruised from losing the ride on Westover, who finished third in the Derby, before the colt’s victory in the Irish Derby two weeks ago.
Less than 48 hours later, Hornby is a two-time winner at the top level, having added to his stunning success on Prosperous Voyage in Friday’s Falmouth Stakes by capturing another major race against double-digit odds.
“Two Group Ones in two days, who would have guessed?” asked Hornby. “This year has been a whirlwind, but I’m extremely fortunate to ride world-class horses.
“The expectation was that in this race, her stamina would come in on the hill, and she would finish extremely strongly, and that is precisely what happened. The ground began to become slick, but this merely demonstrates her courage and toughness.”
Alcohol-Free is scheduled to return to the mile distance in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood later this month, a race she won a year ago. Baaeed, who is undefeated in eight starts, and Coroebus, who won the 2,000 Guineas, are possible opponents.
The Manton stable has been without a real Group One horse for several seasons, but trainer Brian Meehan believes he may have uncovered a potential Classic contender in Isaac Shelby, who defeated the favorite, Victory Dance, by a nose in the Group Two Superlative Stakes.
This was Meehan’s first Group Two victory since Barraquero won the Richmond at Glorious Goodwood nearly five years ago, and he considers Isaac Shelby to be a “four-race two-year-old” who will make at least one Group One appearance this season.
Meehan remarked, “I believe that he is the best in the industry; he is truly exceptional.” “He might potentially win the Guineas.
“This is top-tier material, and he has truly shown himself. You take it step-by-step, but he is a horse that will continue to progress; physically, he has tremendous room for growth.
“Goodwood would be too soon, but Doncaster [for the Champagne Stakes in early September] is a race I’ve considered, and because I adore the Breeders’ Cup, the Juvenile Turf [at Keeneland in November] will also play a role.”
