Good Morning Star shines upon the connections in the Cheshire Oaks at Chester on 9th May
Good Morning Star was already the best that the owner Dr. Marwan Koukash had and now has become the favourite of all the connections after winning the Weatherbys Bank Cheshire Oaks (For The Robert Sangster Memorial Cup) (Listed Race) (Fillies) on 9th
May at Chester over a mile and three and a half furlong.
Not only was Shirocco’s three-year-old bay filly lucky for the owner but the jockey, Franny Norton, struck a back to back during the Chester meet with the second win being with Good Morning Star.
Winning trainer Mark Johnston said: "What an inspired decision with Dr Koukash loving this place and probably rather win this than the Epsom Oaks.
"She wouldn't have been running here if it wasn't for the Doctor's obsession with winners here - he had dinner for all his trainers nearby last night and this is his Royal Ascot and Epsom rolled into one."
On the turn home, it seemed almost certain that Betterbetterbetter will make it through the wire but she raced through a bit of a contention with Everlong. However, A. P. O’Brien ‘s under charge was not left with much option as the rest of the lot came flooding
in on his lead specifically Mark Johnston’s entry, Good Morning Star.
Hence the winner led the runner up, Betterbetterbetter, by a short head only while Cubanita was 1 ¾ length back in third.
The trainers of all the first three position holders were delighted at the performance of their under charges but for the winning owner, Dr. Marwan Koukash, the race opened doors to a whole lot more opportunities. She is now being considered as a serious
candidate for the Royal Ascot.
The owner who could not contain himself at all, already has the breeding off plans for the filly in mind.
The connections took chances with her as there was nothing extraordinary about her that would have made the victory certain rather her modest record only indicated limited capabilities. She was the best shot that they had for this race and miraculously she
proved her worth specially over longer distances.
Johnston said: "We'll have to go home now and take stock (with regard to plans). I think he would rather win this than the Epsom Oaks and she was the best we had. We took our chance and it was an inspired decision."
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