Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears, and an Overdose

There were big doings across the pond this morning. An undefeated superstar kept it going in Eastern Europe, while a super mare tasted defeat for the first time in nearly a year. I speak of course of the Hungarian sensation, Overdose, and the two-time Breeders’ Cup Mile champion, Goldikova. Ladies first in this piece, but that was not the case at Deauville today. Goldikova, or Goldilocks as I like to call her, was undoubtedly the lead character going into today’s Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois. But on paper, her supporting cast were clearly no slouches, as there were a trio of hungry bears ready to nip at the heels of the French heroine. Papa bear was played by Paco Boy, who had won 11 of 19 lifetime for trainer Richard Hannon, and had given Goldilocks everything she wanted back in June. He was joined today by his ursidae brothers in three-year-old and 2000 Guineas hero, Makfi, and Fuisse, who entered off a three race winning streak. As the real running began, it would be France’s favorite female who took the lead, and it was the class competition of Paco Boy and Makfi who would be her challenge. But Goldi’s kick would not be up to her normal high standards today. As Goldilocks failed to sustain her acceleration on the soft conditions, it was the youngster who would go on. Makfi delivered an explosive turn of foot to drive between her and Paco Boy and pull clear for an impressive victory. Sent off as the 4-1 third choice, the bay colt ridden by Christophe Soumillon proved that he relished the damp going the most, and finished best by 2 1/2 lengths, with Goldikova out-gaming Paco Boy for second. It was his fourth win in only five lifetime starts, and his second of the group 1 variety. In the end, fans of Goldilocks should not take too much worry from this defeat. One of the bears may have gotten her today, but the Deauville turf was too soft. The grass course at Churchill Downs on November 6, may be just right. Meanwhile, due east from the happenings in France, a national treasure thrilled the home fans today at Kincsem Park in Budapest, Hungary. The result, Overdose winning easily, was no surprise, as he towered over his overmatched Hungarian rivals. The way he won, however offered further prove that the Budapest Bullet may be fully recovered from foot problems that kept him away from the races for well over a year. He is the best horse out of Hungary in more than 130 years, since the great Kincsem completed a perfect 54 for 54 record. In running his own record to a perfect 14 wins in 14 starts, Overdose’s win at about five furlongs was thorough and impressive, rekindling thoughts that this Hungarian sensation, this Budapest Bullet, could be the best sprinter in all the world. For video replays of both races, I invite you to check them out on ZATT International.