"Special" Sakhee lands Juddmonte International

Sakhee showed that he is back to his very best with a stunning performance in the Group One Juddmonte International Stakes at…

Sakhee showed that he is back to his very best with a stunning performance in the Group One Juddmonte International Stakes at York today.

The son of Bahri, who finished second in last year`s Derby to Sinndar, only returned to action last month at Newbury but showed no signs of ringrust as he powered away from a top-class field for a seven-length victory.

Frankie Dettori set sail for home early in the straight on the 7-4 favourite and soon had his rivals struggling with Grandera leading a remote chasing pack followed home by Medicean.

"When I didn`t hear anything I thought I must be clear," revealed Dettori afterwards.

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"He`s a special horse. Saeed (bin Suroor) has done a great job getting him back and this is fantastic."

Top stayer Persian Punch delivered yet another gutsy performance to land the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Stakes.

David Elsworth`s giant gelding, sent off the 100-30f, pulled out all the stops to repel the late challenge of Jardines Lookout (16-1) to land the Group Three prize by two lengths. Qaatef finished third.

Yorkshire, as expected, made the early running with Persian Punch lying second. Richard Quinn made his bid for home fully six furlongs and stretched his rivals.

He had a four length advantage inside the last two furlongs but Jardines Lookout was delivered with a well-timed challenge a furlong out and made the winner work all the way to the line.

"He (Jardines Lookout) came early enough to allow my fella to rally again." explained Quinn afterwards.

"In previous years he has had to make his own running and it was nice to get a lead today. He is definitely brave and would give his life for you."

Milan has the St Leger at Doncaster as his target after taking the Group Two Great Voltigeur Stakes.

Aidan O`Brien`s colt stayed on to deny the fast-finishing even money favourite Storming Home by a length-and-a-half.

The winner had finished behing Storming Home at Royal Ascot but O`Brien believes that the race came too quick for him after his run in the French Derby.

"We gave him a break after that and he was fresh and happy at home." revealed O`Brien.