Yibir Goes Last to First in the Jockey Club Derby

[Wandering Eyes]

European shipper Yibir carried the blue Godolphin silks to victory in the Jockey Club Derby Invitational S., securing a spot in the starting gate for the GI Breeders' Cup Turf in the process. Off a step slow, the chestnut caboosed the field early as Tango Tango Tango (Tourist) was pressed by fellow longshot Slicked Back through early splits of :25.37, :49.45 and 1:14.46. Still last on the backstretch run, Yibir swung out five wide turning for home and instantly inhaled his rivals, charging clear for a dominant victory.

“We've been very lucky this season,” said winning trainer Charlie Appleby's assistant Chris Connett. “Charlie's horses have been in great form and he has placed them really well. We had a big winner today and then a Grade I winner up in Canada [Walton Street in the Canadian International] just 15 minutes before, so it's a great time.”

He continued, “The ground wasn't so much of a problem. He can be a bit of a quirky character, so it was more of a matter of if he kept his head right. When they jumped out and wasn't really going a lick, I thought 'Oh, he's never done that before,', but Jamie [Spencer] gave him a great ride and coaxed him into it. Once he started to roll, he's got some engine on him.”

Winning two of his four starts as a juvenile, Yibir kicked off this term with a third in the G3 Classic Trial S. in April at Sandown. Fourth in the May 6 Dee S. at Chester, he was second in the Cocked Hat S. at Goodwood 15 days later and scored his first win of the season in the G3 Bahrain Trophy July 8 at Newmarket. Off the board in the July 29 G3 Gordon S. at Goodwood, the homebred won the G2 Voltigeur S. at York last out Aug. 18.

 

Pedigree Notes:

Yibir is one of 136 graded winners and 213 black-type victors by Dubawi. Stakes winner Rumh is also the dam of MG1SW Wild Illusion, SW Really Special and GSP Ceratonia. The daughter of German Highweight Royal Dubai (Ger)'s recent produce includes an unraced juvenile colt named Wild Crusade (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and a yearling colt by Golden Horn (GB).

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