Extract from the TDN:
When Limato came to Longchamp for this race 12 months ago, he did so as the hot favourite on the back of an impressive career-best success in the seven-furlong G2 Park S. at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting the previous month. Undone by the draw and his own sluggishness throughout the early stages when a strong-finishing second to Make Believe (GB) (Makfi {GB}) there, the bay reappeared with a fourth in the G1 Lockinge S. tackling a mile at Newbury May 14 before the decision was made to revert to sprinting in the G1 July Cup. Back on his ideal quick summer surface, the dynamic Limato returned to woo the Newmarket crowds and register an emphatic win in that July 9 six-furlong contest after which trainer Henry Candy talked about a potential tilt at the G1 Sussex S. Instead, he went back in trip to five furlongs for the G1 Nunthorpe S. but was only second and no match for Mecca’s Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) on her favoured strip on York’s Knavesmire Aug. 19.
Granted the inside post this time, he broke well and was able to race in a stalking third throughout the early stages in contrast to last year when he was struggling by halfway. When sparked into life by Harry Bentley at the top of the straight, he immediately made room for his finishing effort and scythed down the long-time leader Karar passing the quarter pole before drawing away to win easing down. “He had a good trip, but at one stage I was afraid he would have to make his own running,” Candy said. “He got a good lead and relaxed and looked a strong horse today, quickening very nicely. He will now possibly go to America and, personally, I’d rather he ran in the [Breeders’ Cup] Mile rather than the Sprint. That decision will be for two weeks’ time.” Karar’s trainer Francis-Henri Graffard commented, “That was a very good performance by the horse and shows he has bounced back nicely. Now he is a gelding, he will be kept in training and has some nice days ahead.”
Photo: Francis Henri Graffard Racing