Blond Me wins Longines International Topkapi Trophy for Balding

Ridden by Oisin Murphy, his filly profited from a wayward Silent Attack inside the final furlong to win the Group Two race and take the prize of £198,500.

Since 2008 only South African trainer Mike de Kock has broken the British stranglehold on the race, and Blond Me made the most of a weak race for the grade run over a distance of one mile for three-year-olds and upwards.

It looked like Saeed Bin Suroor was going to bag another prize at the track’s international meeting, but the Godolphin-owned favourite, Silent Attack, ridden by Mickaël Barzalona, threw away his chance when jinking right with the race at his mercy.

Instead Blond Me, a four-year-old owned by Barbara Keller and the only filly in the six-runner field, got her head in front only in the final strides to win by a head, with Dayim Benim taking third the same distance back.

The win Murphy a first win on Turkish soil, and he was pleased with Blond Me’s display.
“It was a tough performance and she took advantage of the Godolphin horse swerving in front of her.”

Keller, was equally delighted, saying: “I love when a plan comes together.

“I want to win the Canadian International, but the quarantine regulations rules her out of running this year.

“The plan is to go there next year.”

There was better luck for Bin Suroor earlier on the card as Move Up finished off best under Mickael Barzalona in the International Bosphorus Cup.

A progressive handicapper, Move Up thwarted local runner Fly By Me, who had made good progress on the rail only to be cut down late.

There was an overdue local success at the meeting as Waneta triumphed in the International Trakya Trophy despite wandering all over the track in the straight.

The unbeaten filly did not stay on a true line, and gave runner-up Top Score a hefty bump but held on by a head.

Sean Levey, who was aboard Top Score, objected to the result, but after an inquiry the stewards confirmed the placings.