12 July 2006

Newmarket, England: Unfancied Rajeem, ridden by Godolphin jockey Kerrin McEvoy, sprang a big surprise to win the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket yesterday.

The winner is owned by Dubai businessman Saeed Manana.

Trained by Clive Brittain, the three-year-old won by three quarters of a length from Nannina in the Group One race sponsored by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.

Musicanna was another three-quarters of a length back in third while Soviet Song, winner of this race for the last two years, trailed in a the back of the field.

McEvoy told Channel Four Racing: "Well done to Mr Brittain for keeping faith in her. She ran well at Ascot and she probably could have run third there, but it was a nice surprise to win this race today.

"We probably had the run of the race but it goes to show nothing is certain in racing."

Brittain added: "This filly lost 29 kilos when she went to Germany ? she was in season and never got into the race and she just didn't perform at all. "It took two months to put her back together and her owner Saeed Manana knows when I say a horse is good it really is.

"When I get a good one I know what to do and how to plan things."

The mare?s trainer James Fanshawe added: "She's a year older but Jamie said she didn't quicken as she usually does. We'll see how she comes out of it before making any plans."

Meanwhile, Australian sprinter Takeover Target heads a field of 17 horses declared for the Group 1 Darley July Cup tomorrow.

The Australian raider ran out a game winner of the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot last month before finishing third in the Golden Jubilee Stakes just four days later.

Among the other notable contenders are antipodean compatriot Falkirk, 2005 Nunthorpe Stakes heroine La Cucaracha, and Godolphin's Iffraaj. Last summer Iffraj won four races including the Wokingham and the Group Two Park Stakes.

Ashdown Express, Excusez Moi, Fayr Jag, Gift Horse, Moss Vale, Quito, Murfreesboro, Red Clubs and Marcus Andronicus complete the field.

By Correspondent

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