Brigadier Gerard Stakes Race Analysis

The two that were highlighted as the dangers were the first two past the post at yesterdays Brigadier Gerard Stakes, it was a good contest and was tough to call. Ultimately I thought the value landed with MILITARY ORDER for an e/w angle. However, before the off we saw a huge drift from 9/2 all the way out to 11/1 and it showed in the race as MILITARY ORDER came 4th. This is not a bad result when it was noted that the ground may have been a slight concern and I think it was more than just 'a poor run' for a drift of that scale. Perhaps more going on and was not fully fit.

I made comments on ALMAQAM and stated 'not surprised if it wins' as both trainer and jockey from its last race seemed confident in it's ability. The tactics for this race were to clearly ride it more confidently and not get stuck like it did last time, however, I don't think anyone imagined it would put in a huge performance, some may have fancied it to win but not quite as stylishly as it did.

Racenews, Godolphin, May 29th 2025

I did suggest that OMBUDSMAN may need the race and that if it had a semi-decent run here, then I will be very confident in it winning it's next race, wherever that may be. It ran an even better race than I imagined and think I was right with it needing the run as if it was fully race fit and had a run already this season, I imagine it would've won. Both first and second will be big improvers this year and I imagine all connections will be delighted with both horses runs here.

They split off from the rest and 3rd place was 4 lengths behind OMBUDSMAN showing the class they both have. OMBUDSMAN looks a nice type and will only improve from the run but to put in an effort like he did against those that were already raced this season was impressive.

In terms of ALMAQAM it looked like it wasn't too much of an ask and if you remove OMBUDSMAN it absolutely bolted up and the others were no match for him. Therefore, I imagine it will also improve from this race and wouldn't be out of place in higher grades. Both OMBUDSMAN and ALMAQAM are both 2 great types that should be followed wherever they go this season.

Finally, MILITARY ORDER may have had more to his story considering the huge drift in the market. Despite this huge drift, it was a key front runner in the race and ended up coming back to the field and was then past when 2f out. I don't think this was a bad display and when considering the drift and the quality that the first 2 showed. I wouldn't say it was a poor run. I think the switch back to slower ground or all weather will suit and perhaps less of a front running style, although for tracks like Sandown, I understand why this may have been the tactics with the turn of foot it has previously showed.