Another costly defeat for Pearl
Wednesday 27 June 2012
New Pearl may have only had four races in his short career but he now has the unwanted record of being a beaten odds-on favourite twice, with Jubilee Games (4-1) the latest to take advantage at Newcastle.
An impressive winner on his Newmarket debut, New Pearl was then sent off at 1-6 at Pontefract but was turned over there before being outclassed at Royal Ascot.
He faced only two rivals in the Betfred "The Bonus King" Novice Stakes and everything appeared to be going to plan two furlongs before Robert Winston asked for an effort, only for the colt to weaken rapidly. Richard Fahey's Jubilee Games stuck to his task gamely under Lee Topliss and ran out a four-length winner.
New Pearl, the 1-2 favourite, was 22 lengths clear of newcomer Titus Titan, with Somethingboutmary withdrawn at the start.
Topliss said of the winner: "He went through the ground and we just took it steady. I thought Rob's horse had it won but he got tired in the ground. When I gave my lad a flick he picked up well but he's still a bit of a boy with a lot to learn.
Winston said of New Pearl: "I know the reason why he stopped so quickly but I need to talk to the trainer."
New Pearl's trainer David Brown reported his horse would be checked over by the vet.
Fahey quickly doubled up with what looked a smart debutant - not to mention an appropriately named one in the conditions - as Unsinkable took the Betfred Mobile Sports Median Auction Maiden Stakes.
A grey colt by Verglas, he was sent off the 5-4 favourite and the result never looked in any doubt as Tony Hamilton sat motionless until a furlong out. After a quick shake of the reins the race was over as a contest and while fellow newcomer Vegas Belle made a nice introduction in second, she was never a serious threat.
Fahey's assistant Robin O'Ryan said: "He did it well, he's a big baby. We were desperate to get a run into him and we weren't worried about the ground as he's by Verglas."
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