Man's Best Friend and Encedalus Provided Their Touch of Class on Goodwood's Wednesday Action
- Turf Diario
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
The juvenile captured the Richmond Stakes (G2) to secure a double for the Coolmore team, while the 3-year-old had his moment to shine at the graded level for the first time
SUSSEX, England (Special for Turf Diario).— Following the absolute brilliance of Diamond Necklace (St Mark's Basilica) in the Qatar Nassau Stakes (G1), the third day of the Goodwood festival also delivered two more names to keep a close eye on for the future. The undefeated Man's Best Friend confirmed the high regard surrounding him among 2-year-old sprinters by winning the Markel Richmond Stakes (G2), while Enceladus took another step forward among the division's stayers by taking the Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes (G3).
The victory for Man's Best Friend carried special merit. Just a week after breaking his maiden at Naas, the son of No Nay Never returned to action and responded with a top-class performance to deliver another victory for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore, two of the standout figures of the week.
The colt encountered multiple traffic troubles trying to make headway in the stretch, but once Moore found room, he responded with a powerful burst of speed to score by a length over Adaay Of Scarlett (Mehmas), who was once again left on the doorstep of a group victory after previous runner-up finishes in the Coventry Stakes (G2) and July Stakes (G2). Further back, a length and a half behind, Night In Vegas (Lucky Vega) completed the trifecta.
O'Brien explained that the decision to run so quickly back after his Naas victory was aimed at continuing the education of a horse he still considers quite green. The Irish trainer noted that he will now consider G1 targets such as the Middle Park Stakes, the Gimcrack Stakes, or even the Dewhurst Stakes, confident that the colt still has plenty of room for improvement. Moore also praised the juvenile, highlighting his natural speed and remarking that "he can only get better."
Later came the turn of Enceladus, who extended his flawless 2026 campaign by scoring an authoritative win in the Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes (G3—2400 m) to give Joseph O'Brien another prestigious victory.
Winner a few weeks ago of the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, the son of Sea The Stars once again displayed marked development. With Dylan Browne McMonagle in the saddle, he opened up a couple of lengths entering the final furlong and comfortably held at bay the late run of Geryon (Lope de Vega), defeating him by a length and a quarter. The experienced mare Venetian Lace (Masar) rounded out the frame, a further 4 1/4 lengths back.
McMonagle noted that Enceladus "improves with every run" and believes he possesses the level required to compete in G1 company. Furthermore, he expressed that added distance will pose no issue, making the St Leger (G1) one of the primary targets for the European autumn.
Thus, behind the masterclass delivered by Diamond Necklace, Goodwood once again proved that its festival remains an endless source of future stars, featuring two colts who made an impression strong enough to fuel high hopes for top-level campaigns in the coming months.
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