The Jim Bolger trained Grafelli collects two graded victories in a matter of days
With three victories in a month, the Jim Bolger trained, Grafelli, has been making quick progress. The race that started the three race win streak was the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden on 11th July, 2012.
He maintained the same composure in the Group 3 Jebel Ali Stables & Racecourse Anglesey Stakes at Curragh on 22nd July, 2012.
The juvenile completed the hat-trick with a victory at Leopardstown on 26th July in the Group 3 Korean Racing Authority Tyros Stakes, where he bagged the victory over the distance of seven furlongs and walked home a winner.
With jockey Kevin Manning, the bay colt chased the pace-setter, Kingston Jamaica, who was setting quick fractions. The Aidan O’Brien trained, Lines of Battle, was also making progress on the outside with rider Joseph O’Brien aboard.
Grafelli quickened in the closing stages of the race and completed the race a neck before Lines Of Battle. The third place was taken by Kingston Jamaica – beaten by a head to the runner-up.
Reglisse and Ella’s Kitten finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Pleased with his achievements, the trainer said that the runner will have no trouble stretching to a mile. Bolger commented:
"He showed his class again today. He stays the trip well and shouldn't have any trouble with a mile. He will have a bit of a break now and then go to France for the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc day. I never saw a horse go on that ground on Sunday
(soft to heavy) and lose just a kilo in weight. He was back to exactly the same weight this evening."
Jockey Kevin Manning, who has mounted the colt in all his starts, said the runner is improving with every race.
According to him, the young runner is better suited to the good surface of the track compared to the soft surface at Curragh.
As a result of this performance, Stan James has declared that, Grafelli will enter the Qipco 2,000 Guineas Stakes with a 20-1 shot.
With two Group 3 victories notched in a matter of days, the son of Hannouma has joined the ranks of Tyros, Teofilo and New Approach, all saddled by Jim Bolger.
Tags: