Drakenstein stallion Duke Of Marmalade’s 5yo son Big Orange made all for the second year running to win the Gr2 Princess Of Wales’s Arqana Racing Club Stakes under James McDonald at Nemarket on Thursday.
Big Orange in action
McDonald, one of Godolphin’s retained riders in Australia, had shone when coming from off the pace on Antiquarium in the Northumberland Plate, but was allowed to set his own fractions on this occasion.
With last year’s winning rider Jamie Spencer on the favourite The Grey Gatsby it was somewhat surprising the winner was technically ignored up front this time, and he gradually quickened the pace three furlongs out.
The field had raced in Indian file with The Grey Gatsby looking content at the rear, stepping up in trip, and he smoothly began to make progress.
Once Spencer moved alongside Ryan Moore on Exosphere the pair probably expected Big Orange to capitulate in front, but the impressive McDonald had saved something.
The 8/1 chance, who was being aimed at the Ascot Gold Cup before the ground turned soft, kicked on again to beat The Grey Gatsby by two and a half lengths.
McDonald said: “He was pretty happy out there and he gave me a beautiful ride. He’s an absolute gentleman and a pleasure to ride.
“He wasn’t the best to begin in the stalls as he’s so big, but he was a gentleman on the course and that’s where it matters.”
A delighted Bell added: “I couldn’t believe they left him alone in front – especially racing in Indian file as they have much more ground to make up from behind. He’ll just keep going, we know he gets two miles, he wasn’t going to stop.
Duke Of Marmalade – exciting sire
“He’s the most charming horse to train, he’s a joy to have around, he was bred up the road by Bill Gredley (owner) and I’m pleased for James McDonald as he’s a lovely guy.
“He’s been in very good form at home, he’s a high-class horse who loves summer ground.
“We had to skip the Gold Cup and came here as an afterthought, but I’m glad we did.”
Bell confirmed that the Goodwood Cup, for which Big Orange is a 4/1 chance with Sky Bet, remained the next target, with the Melbourne Cup less likely “as I can’t see how he won’t end up with a load of weight now”.
PRINCESS OF WALES’S ARQANA RACING CLUB STAKES (ENG-II), Newmarket, Group II Stakes, £89,370, 3 yo’s & up, 12F, 2:29.93, GD-F.
Big Orange (GB) (b, g, 5 yo), A+, £56,710
(Duke of Marmalade (IRE) – Miss Brown To You (IRE), by Fasliyev)
B: STETCHWORTH & MIDDLE PARK STUDS; O: W J & T C O GREDLEY; T: BELL MICHAEL; J: MCDONALD JAMES.
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