Debutant Summer Scent blossoms in G3 Mermaid Stakes

Four-year-old Summer Scent stayed on strongly to record an impressive victory on her G3 debut in the Mermaid Stakes at Hanshin in Japan on Sunday.

The Takashi Saito-trained daughter of Harbinger was prominent throughout the 10-furlong contest and soon settled in second under Manabu Sakai, a length behind Naruhaya.

Naruhaya and Summer Scent kicked on a furlong and a half out, with the Godolphin filly reeling in the long-time leader approaching the final half-furlong before quickening clear. Centelleo and Lune Rouge emerged from the pack late on but posed no threat to Summer Scent, who was pushed out to score by three-quarters of a length.

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said: “Kudos to the trainer for Summer Scent’s G3 win today. It was entirely his decision to go for this race and in doing so he passed over a much easier opportunity in a conditions race. It seemed a slight reach when the entries were made but the trainer has done very well for us and we were happy to invest in his instincts.

“And it paid off wonderfully. Summer Scent weighed in at 452kg which was precisely her racing weight in four of her last five races. She looked really well in the paddock and though not among the favourites, was nevertheless deservedly chosen as a nap by one of the TV paddock commentators.

“Credit also to veteran jockey Manabu Sakai who give her a textbook ride. She was prominent from the start but raced in a relaxed manner and was able to take control at the top of the stretch and hold off the fast finishers. Sakai san, who is now 40 years old, is a journeyman jockey and indeed has only ridden two Group winners in the last six years. However, he was brilliant today.

“There is a slight downside however. As this was a Group race, Summer Scent will be restricted in future to running in Listed and Group races and she won’t have it as easy from now on. She will be given a short spell now and we will decide on future plans later.

“Her dam, Primrose Lane, is still on our farm. She has a yearling filly by American Patriot. She is carrying and due early to Talismanic.”

Elsewhere, the drivers from Godolphin have teamed up with the Newmarket Day Centre to spread a little cheer – and much needed lunches – to those isolated in the town.

The drivers have been helping since the end of March, using a rotation system. Their help has been vital since like so many organisations, the Newmarket Day Centre has had to close its doors due to the coronavirus lockdown. They have joined the other drivers for the Centre which every weekday is providing lunches to more than a hundred people in Newmarket.

Each driver visits six addresses a day with “a round” taking about 90 minutes, plenty of time for a quick chat – all socially distanced, of course.

One driver, Nigel Goodenough, said: “Obviously there has been some slowdown at work so it seemed a good idea to do our bit for Newmarket. The fact that we are obviously seeing people again and again means that new friendships have been formed. It’s nice to think that we might bring a smile to the face of someone cut off and alone.”

On Friday, 5 June, chefs at Godolphin’s Moulton Paddocks hostel also provided hot meals to around 250 people in Newmarket. This was in conjunction with several organisations that have been ensuring the community is fed during lockdown, including Newmarket Festival, The Jockey Club and Discover Newmarket.

Mostly the Newmarket Covid-19 fund has been covering the cost of the food for these deliveries, however on this occasion Godolphin provided the meals free of charge.

Godolphin staff globally have come together to support local charities during the crisis, taking on the ‘Godolphin Winning Line’ challenge.

The aim of the challenge, which started on Friday, 22 May and will finish on Friday, 26 June, is for staff to run, walk, ride or cycle the distance between the many Godolphin locations across the world – a total of 28,300 miles.

Staff members who have signed up to the challenge are making a donation to local Covid-19 charities, or other organisations in need during these challenging times.