Game Ten Sovereigns Colt Prevails In Goodwood Thriller

Mansa Musa (2c Ten Sovereigns - Sundiata, by Showcasing) showcased an attitude to match his talent when rallying to win the two-year-old maiden on the opening day of Glorious Goodwood.

Sixth on debut in a typically competitive race at Naas, the colt was evidently held in high regard by trainer Diego Dias, for whom he was a first runner in the UK. Leading on the stands’ side under Rossa Ryan, he was ridden approaching the final furlong and battled neck-and-neck with the favourite Array (No Nay Never) inside the final furlong. Briefly headed, he dug deep to lead by a short head on the line.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “Mansa Musa is a big horse and a great moving horse, so it was just a matter of going through the gears. He's still pretty green and has got a lot of scope compared to most of them in the race, so I'd imagine he will get better with age. He's just a frame of a horse, and when he fills into that he could be a lovely sprinter going forward.”

Diego Dias shares Ryan’s opinion that Mansa Musa will improve again. “We always liked him at home. We knew he would improve for his last run and we feel there's a lot more to come. He moves well and has a great attitude.”

Owned by Matt Eves, Mansa Musa is the first foal bred by Middlelane Farm out of Sundiata, who has a yearling filly by Australia. He becomes the latest smart winner by Ten Sovereigns, whose first crop includes three Stakes performers to date.