YIMOU went off favourite at Windsor this afternoon in a 6f handicap and won in a pillar-to-post ride by Martin Dwyer to land the hat-trick.
The four-year-old son of Kodiac was one of eight runners in the 0-80 sprint for 3yos and upwards and he went into the race on the back of comfortable wins at Newbury last month and then Yarmouth sixteen days ago.
From the moment the gates opened, the 13/8 favourite was sent into the lead by Martin and he always travelled well. Shaken up a furlong from home, he went clear and was two and a half lengths clear of Iconic Knight at the line.
This was only his eighth career start and he only made his debut last October when second in a mile maiden to Matterhorn, who has won now eight races and is rated 110 on the turf. Coincidentally, Matterhorn was second in the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes on today’s Windsor card an hour after Yimou’s success. So, the yard always knew he had ability.
The key to this horse has been trip and ground. All three wins have been over six furlongs and all on Good To Firm going. Like his sire, he’s blessed with plenty of speed and he’s progressing nicely, although he’ll go up more than the three pounds he was raised for his last win! Running of 78 today, he’ll be out of 0-80 company for his next outing! Hopefully, there could be more to come for this very likeable gelding owned by Andrew Cohen. Congratulations Andrew on another fine win.
This was the eighth win in August, which has proven to be the best month of the year in terms of winners and prize money. It was also the 36th success this year, leaving the stable just four short of a record 40 wins.