Addeybb Crushes Wolferton

ASCOT, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND – Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum’s Addeybb relished running in the rain as he stormed home to a dominating victory in Tuesday’s $128,000 Wolferton Stakes at Ascot Racecourse.

Breaking cleanly from his stall at 9/1 stateside odds under Daniel Tudhope, Addeybb settled three-wide in midpack while Star Of Bengal set the opening pace, with Elarqam keeping close watch to his outside. As he began making the swing through the far turn, Addeybb inched his way forward until he was part of the top flight at the top of the stretch.

Still not asked for his best until inside the final 2 furlongs, Addeybb kicked away from the 2/1 stateside favorite Magic Wand before collaring new leader Elarqam. Thundering past under only light encouragement, Addeybb was eased across the finish line with a 2 1/2-length advantage in a final time of 2:06.90 for the 1 1/4-mile event.

“I was very lucky to get on Addeybb at the right time,” said Tudhope, who also won the day’s opening race, the Queen Anne Stakes (G1), aboard Lord Glitters. “He loves soft ground and he was in a different league in this grade. These sort of conditions really suit and I was delighted when the rain came. I was travelling so well and had so much horse under me, it was just a matter of when to push the button. I’m very grateful to be on board.”

Magic Wand just nipped a game Elarqam at the wire by a nose for second. The rest of the field crossed thusly: Latrobe, Mountain Angel, Riven Light, Mountain Hunter, Star Of Bengal, Oasis Charm, Zorion, Zihba, Master The World, First Nation, Willie John, Global Giant, and Dolphin Vista.

Addeybb’s win was his first since taking the bet365 Mile Stakes (G2) at Sandown Park on April 27, 2018, and improved his career record to 12-6-0-2. The 5-year-old son Pivotal has earned $282,207 lifetime.

“We thought Addeybb was in really good nick, the ground came right for him, and he has won well,” said winning trainer William Haggas. “I know it was only a Listed race, and he’s a Group 2 winner in a Listed race, but it was a strong field for the grade. He has just been really well these last two weeks, and that combined with (adding) the cheekpieces and the ground – it all just came right for him today. He has won a Group 2 on soft ground, but the most important thing for us is that he is back to himself, and even better is that in his next race, he will only have a Listed (weight) penalty. He will be going up to Group class now, but he does need this ground, and I think he needs this trip, too.”

Addeybb returned $12 to win and $4 to place, Magic Wand brought back $3.80 to place, and Elarqam paid $4.20 to place.