Opinion Poll headed a one-two for the Godolphin stable in the Goodwood Cup, holding off the fast-finishing Lost in the Moment to win Thursday’s feature race by a short head.
The 9-2 favorite, ridden by the popular Frankie Dettori, passed long-time leader Overturn with a furlong to run and hung on in a thrilling Group 2 race over two miles.
“He’s an honest horse – he never runs a bad race,” Dettori said of Opinion Poll, who was second at last month’s Gold Cup at Ascot. “He’s got a lot of courage and is a very hard horse to pass.”
Lost in the Moment (11-1), who also runs for the United Arab Emirates-based Godolphin operation, timed his charge for the line too late. He was a neck clear of third-placed Blue Bajan, a 20-1 shot.
Opinion Poll started to tire after using up energy attempting to catch Overturn, who was set out at a fierce pace by jockey Richard Hughes and rounded the turn with four furlongs remaining with a five-length lead.
Dettori was unable to celebrate with a customary leap off his ride because he fractured his toe falling off Rewilding in Saturday’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Rewilding broke its leg in the fall and had to be destroyed.
“That was a good performance and a terrific ride from Frankie … he’s still riding at the highest level,” said Simon Crisford, racing manager at Godolphin.
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