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AUSRACING |
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INTERNATIONAL
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27th June, 2001 Argentina: Lac Azur in Gran Criterium There was a surprise winner of the Gran Criterium (G1, 1600m, grass) for the two year-old colts and geldings at San Isidro recently. Espontaneo was expected to be one of the main contenders and he set off from the jump to make a smart pace. Canadian Dream and Important Ride followed in his wake. As they headed to the straight, other fancies like Basko Salsero and Cottage appeared on the scene. Espontaneo set sail for the judge in fine style and looked to be headed for victory when at the 300m mark, he stumbled and broke down, leaving his jockey to pull him up instantly. Cottage and Ocnus seemed to be the main beneficiaries of this and fought on towards the line, only to be swamped by the enormous finish on the rails of Lac Azur, who had been a lonely last at the turn in. The winning margin was a head with 3/4 of a length to third and Lac Azur's time was 1.35.02. The winner is the first Group 1 winner from the first
crop of Mutakddim. This Seeking the Gold stallion won 5 in Britain and
ran 3rd in the Sandown Mile. He is starting to get some good winners
here and they seem to have plenty of speed. Mutakddim numbers Rhythm,
Private Account and Numbered Account close up in his pedigree. Lac Azur's
dam is La Costa Azul, a Southern Halo mare who took the G1 Polla de
Potrancas (1000 Guineas) at three and placed in various other classics
from 1600m-2000m |