Group 1 action spanned three continents over the weekend, with Goliath returning to winning form in Germany and Forged Steel springing an upset at Santa Anita. Closer to home, Jimmysstar headlined a big Sunday for Ciaron Maher at Caulfield and Skyhook stamped his Golden Eagle credentials at Rosehill.
RacingRacing PostInternational
The Francis Graffard-trained six-year-old Goliath took out the Group 1 Preis von Europa at Cologne, going clear of William Haggas's Dubai Honour in a repeat of last year's Grosser Preis von Baden finish. It was a third Group 1 win for Goliath, who had last won a Group 2 at Chantilly in May and finished 11 lengths behind Kalpana in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Graffard said all options remain open, with Hong Kong a possibility, and he has Daryz bidding for back-to-back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe wins next Sunday.
Pedigrees: Goliath, Dubai Honour, Kalpana, Daryz
RacingThoroughbred Daily NewsInternational
Racing in his native Germany for only the second time, Goliath (Adlerflug) won the G1 Mehl-Mulhens-Stiftung Preis von Europa over 2400m at Cologne by one and three-quarter lengths. The 1-2 favourite, raced by Resolute Bloodstock and Philip Baron Von Ullmann, led throughout under Christophe Soumillon for a seventh Group success and third at the top level. Dubai Honour (Pride Of Dubai) was second, a half-length ahead of last year's Deutsches Derby winner Hochkonig (Polish Vulcano).
Pedigrees: Goliath, Dubai Honour, Hochkonig
RacingThoroughbred Daily NewsInternational
Forged Steel, a four-year-old colt by Vekoma out of Scorecard (Tale of the Cat), won the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita at 12-1 to book his place in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland on 31 October. Stablemate Caldera (Liam's Map) completed a quinella for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr, while defending champion Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach), the 6-5 favourite, was third. The win was a first Grade 1 for sire Vekoma and for jockey Edwin Gonzalez. Forged Steel was an $80,000 Fasig-Tipton July yearling who later brought $190,000 as an OBS March breezer.
Pedigrees: Forged Steel, Caldera, Nevada Beach, Taif, Knightsbridge, Parchment Party
RacingRacenetAustralia
Jimmysstar won the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield, capping a five-win Sunday for champion trainer Ciaron Maher. Racenet reported the winning connections' assessment that "when he lets rip, there's no better horse".
Pedigrees: Jimmysstar
Industry7HorseracingAustralia
The Triple Trio returns ahead of another Sunday meeting at Sha Tin, streaming on 7plus. The panel of experts and guests analyse Hong Kong and world racing.
RacingRacenetAustralia
Skyhook was too good for his rivals in the Shannon Stakes at Rosehill, firming his claims for the Golden Eagle. Connections indicated there is no temptation to back him up in the Epsom Handicap and risk disrupting that campaign.
Pedigrees: Skyhook
