ULYSSES CUP-BOUND
ULYSSES has his sights set on conquering America after a thrilling victory in the Juddmonte International at York yesterday.
He gave Sir Michael Stoute a recordbreaking sixth success in the race by shooting down young guns Churchill and Barney Roy.
As Ryan Moore and James Doyle duelled up front on the three-year-olds, Jim Crowley stalked his rivals and pounced at the furlong pole before getting the better of a three-way scrap for the £567,000 prize.
Sir Michael, who first won the Group One contest with Shardari in 1986, said: “It went so smoothly. He is such a beautifully balanced horse although he would have preferred to bounce off faster ground. Maria Niarchos [owner] is keen ® on going for the Breeders’ Cup Turf so we’ll work backwards from there.”
Crowley added: “Today’s the best feel I’ve got off him and he seems to be getting better and better.”
Ulysses, who was following up his win in the Coral-Eclipse, was cut from 6-1 to 3-1 for the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Earlier there were shades of Frankel bounding down the Knavesmire as his son Cracksman powered to victory in the Group Two Great Voltigeur Stakes.
It was a commanding performance by the Derby third, who was pushed out by Frankie Dettori to win by six lengths from Venice Beach. If the three-year-old runs again this season, it will be in the Champion Stakes or the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, for which he is 10-1 with Ladbrokes.