Goodwood reportDistinction proved his 33 to 1 second in the Gold Cup was no fluke with a battling victory in the the Lady O Goodwood Cup at Goodwood yesterday. Continuing his streak of form, jockey Mick Kinane took the six-year-old to the lead with over three furlongs to run and Michael Stoute's charge held off Mark Johnston's Golden Quest to take the Group Two race by half a length.
The 8 to 1 runner-up was the only horse to get near the winner as he came from out of the pack to give chase, but just as he looked likely to throw down a winning challenge, the well-supported 11-4 favourite found more in front. It was Millenary who plugged on best of the remainder to take third place, albeit a further eight lengths adrift.
No sooner had Distinction passed the post than talk turned to a tilt at the Melbourne Cup, the race in which the gelding finished sixth last year.
Tungsten Strike and Hearthstead Wings who cut out most of the early running, with the latter, one of three runners for Johnston, leading the field into the home straight. But Kinane soon loomed up aboard the imposing market leader as the 10 runners took the home turn, and his move at that stage sealed victory.
Stoute confirmed Australia was on the agenda, possibly taking in the Caulfied Cup before the big one. "He handled soft ground in the Melbourne Cup but this is different - it is sticky and I was worried as he goes so well on firm ground," he said. "But he has won and that is the main thing."
Harry Herbert, racing manager for the Highclere Racing "Orangery" syndicate who own Distinction, added: "Mick did the right thing in kicking for home three furlongs out. He is brave, strong and has proved he goes on any ground."
It is the issue of who will take the reins in Melbourne which could give Herbert a headache. In last year's Melbourne Cup Darren Beadman came in for criticism for his tactics and his services will not be required again.
"He is Johnny Murtagh's ride," Herbert said. "I don't know. Mick gave him a great ride today. I think we will have to leave it to Sir Michael to sort that one out."
