The much hyped return of last year’s undefeated Champion 2YO Colt Pinatubo ended in an anticlimax overnight when the Godolphin owned colt could finish only third in the Group I Two Thousand Guineas (1m) at Newmarket behind Kameko and Wichita.
Trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Oisin Murphy, Kameko came with a big run late to overhaul Wichita to win by a neck in record time with Pinatubo a gallant third two lengths back.
A Group I winner last season of the Newcastle Futurity Trophy, Kameko has the overall record of three wins and two placings from five starts.
“Before the race, we always viewed Kameko as a ten furlong horse and it will be up to Andrew, Sheikh Fahad and David Redvers, everyone will think about it (the Derby),” said Oisin Murphy.
“This guy has the mental attitude and I think going there would be absolutely fine. But 12 furlongs is another half a mile further than the Classic he just won today.”
A $90,000 Keeneland September purchase for David Redvers on behalf of Qatar Racing, Kameko is by Kitten’s Joy, the sire of their former Champion 3YO Roaring Lion, who died tragically at Cambridge Stud in New Zealand last year.
One of 97 stakes-winners worldwide for El Prado’s Kitten’s Joy, he is the first winner from Group III winning Rock of Gibraltar mare Sweeter Still, a half-sister to Group I Doncaster Racing Post Trophy winner Kingsbarns.
