“Had Him Beat”: Godolphin’s Horse Racing Icon Comparative Triumphs in Aqueduct’s Ladies Stakes

With its wild flips and turns, horse racing witnessed yet another dramatic clash that took place at Aqueduct Racetrack during the $150,000 Ladies stakes on its hallowed grounds. Godolphin’s homebred Kentucky filly Comparative proved herself in a tough nine-furlong race against more experienced fillies and mares. Beyond Comparative’s victory, its minute details and last moments leading up to the spectacular conclusion accentuated the experience.

In addition to providing a great show, the race demonstrated the strange and unexpected nature of the thoroughbreds as hordes of them thundered down the Aqueduct course. Comparative was the talk of the town, however, for all the right reasons.

Horse racing victory claimed seconds before finish

In the last round of Aqueduct’s Ladies Stakes, 4-year-old daughter of Street Sense, Comparative, encountered a strong opposition from Saddle Up Jessie. Saddle Up Jessie’s jockey Sheldon Russell tried to get away from Comparative in the last round. However, Comparative rediscovered her finest stride under Manny Franco’s skilled direction and a left-handed crop in the stretch, touching the line first in a final time of 1:55.83.

The win was Comparative’s first stakes triumph, adding to her November success in the one-mile optional claiming race according to NYRA. Later, Russell said, “I always thought I had him beat. He was in a full-out drive, I was just sitting on her. She’s given us a great run on short rest, so fair play to her.”

On the other hand, Franco acknowledged the challenge presented by Saddle Up Jessie and voiced concerns about her momentum. But in the end, Franco’s tactical riding and Comparative’s unrelenting drive sealed the victory, forcing Saddle Up Jessie to settle for a hard-fought second place. Finally, it was the behind-the-scenes team effort which prepared the 4yo for the debut win.

 Comparative team’s win set to go down in the annals of history

In addition to being an important win for the Godolphin stable, Comparative’s victory in the Ladies’ stakes highlighted the training of Brad Cox and the harmonious relationship between jockey Manny Franco and the horse. As the dust settled on Aqueduct Racetrack, Comparative’s career-defining triumph opens a new chapter in the world of horse racing.

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Ultimately, it’s the rider-equine bond on the dirt ground, which Franco boldly highlighted saying, “I was worried but at the same time my filly is one paced and I knew she’s going to keep battling for me and that’s what she did.”

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