Venetian Sun confirmed herself as the best three-year-old sprinter in Europe as she justified 11/8 favouritism in the G1 Commonwealth Cup, 10 years on from trainer Karl Burke’s first win in the race with Quiet Reflection.
Down the field when tackling a mile in the 1000 Guineas on her comeback, last season’s G1 Prix Morny heroine lined up on the back of an impressive bounce-back win in the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park.
Ridden handily by Clifford Lee, Venetian Sun made headway to lead a furlong out and found plenty for pressure to repel the challenge of Spicy Marg (50/1) by a head. Division closed well from the rear to take third, a further half-length behind.
Owned by Brighton Football Club owner Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, Venetian Sun is unbeaten in six starts over five and six furlongs.
Burke said: “That is more relief than enjoyment. She is what she is – she is such a laid-back filly – and it was probably unusual the way she did it at Haydock last time. Everybody was talking about how good it was visually, which it was, but I think the ground had a lot to do with that.
“I have said it before a few times, but when Clifford rode her last year, even when he was winning Group races on her, he kept saying, ‘she is feeling the ground’. Haydock was probably the first time she actually raced on soft ground. I think that is probably the reason why she has not been as visually impressive, but she is still a Group One winner.
“It is tough coming here. We came down with a big team, and we have had a couple of placed horses, but generally we have had a few disappointments, so to get the banker in was very much a relief. I am delighted for Clifford. He is going the right way all the time and is riding better and better.”
Lee said: “This filly has already got me my first Group One in France last year and to pull it off again this year is just fantastic. It is a pleasure to ride her, and this is what it is all about, these big days.
“We obviously tried to stretch her for the Guineas over the mile, but she has loads of boot. I just told myself I would try and kid her into the race. I think it was probably at the furlong pole when I asked the question and she was just fantastic. Once I hit the front, she was just doing enough, but when the second horse came to me, she wouldn’t let them get past.
“I wanted to be a jockey and ride as many winners as I could as a kid, so it is fantastic when days like this happen. A Group One at Ascot is great – everyone wants that Group One.”
On what this win means following his comeback from injury, Lee added: ‘It is fantastic. I had five and a half months off as I broke my C1, but I feel I have come back stronger and better. It helps riding good horses. It was very hard as it took me a long time to actually get back fit. It is great to be back. On big days like this, I am glad for the team back at home that do all the hard work.’”
Part-owner Tony Bloom said: “It was a really tough race and not easy at the end – only won by a head – but what a horse Venetian Sun is. We would probably prefer a little bit of cut in the ground, but she can race on all grounds and won this tremendous race. It is absolutely amazing.
“Obviously, the Guineas she just did not stay the distance, but we did not know until we tried. Karl has been confident going into this race and, although we have been confident, you know how difficult it is to win a Group One at Royal Ascot. She was tough enough and the great racehorses do win those difficult finishes when it is close. She is a dream horse to have and we have got lots to look forward to with her.
“We are getting a lot of help on the horses and, as a group, they are doing really well. I love watching them all and coming to Royal Ascot is a special occasion.”
Michael Bell said of Spicy Marg: “Spicy Marg is a smart filly and we have always thought she was very good. It is frustrating but, if you said coming here that you would be second, beaten a head by Venetian Sun, I would have snapped your hand off.
“She is not in the July Cup, so whether we supplement or go to York for the Group Three [Summer Stakes], I will talk to Emma [Banks, owner]. Realistically, we thought we would be fourth or fifth at best, then go to York, so on the back of that, what do we do? It is a nice conversation to have.”
Emma Banks added: “It is amazing. I cannot believe it. Spicy Marg is such a special horse. I was shaking. When Tom [Marquand] was about to get on, he said, ‘Today is a good day for her. The ground is right.’ And he had such confidence on her, and that showed. She settled, and she is fast, and she wants it. I am so proud. Everyone at the yard – it is such a massive team that goes into getting a horse into the position she is in. And it is so exciting! How great seeing girls winning. I love it!”