LEVEY LOOKS FOR FIRST ROYAL VICTORY
Sean Levey has already set several notable benchmarks in British racing--being the first black jockey to ride in the Derby in 2016 when fifth on Humphrey Bogart (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}) and, two years later, the first black jockey to win a British Classic when steering Billesdon Brook (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) to victory in the G1 1000 GuineasBand next week Levey hopes to earn a belated first Royal Ascot victory.
UNION-RENNEN HIGHLIGHTS SUNDAY STAKES
With all the key focus on Royal Ascot next week, Sunday's European action is on the light side with Cologne staging the feature in the G2 Sparkasse KolnBonn Union-Rennen for the Deutsches Derby hopefuls. A prestigious race in its own right, the 11-furlong contest has been won by the likes of Novellist (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}), Sea the Moon (Ger) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) and Laccario (Ger) (Scalo {GB}) in recent years and it remains to be seen whether any of the 11 going to post this time can make it anywhere near that league. Gestut Auenquelle's Virginia Storm (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) will be popular, having finished runner-up in the G3 Bavarian Classic at Munich May 1, while Stall Lintec's Apr. 24 G3 Dr Busch-Memorial winner and May 24 G2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen third Best of Lips (Ire) (The Gurkha {GB}) will also have his fans despite moving up markedly in trip.
FRANKEL'S CONVERGE MUCH THE BEST
By Paul Vettise
A memorable day at Eagle Farm for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott was crowned by Converge (Frankel {GB}), who produced a commanding performance to run away with the G1 Treasury Brisbane JJ Atkins and have connections dreaming of what riches the spring may bring.
The Waterhouse and Bott-prepared Converge followed the winning lead of stablemate Knights Order (Ire) (So You Think {NZ}), who had earlier run his rivals ragged to win the
G2 Brisbane Cup, to steamroll his Atkins opposition.
Sharing in the glory was jockey Tom Clark who guided the fortunes of the stablemates so expertly.
The well-related Converge delivered an 11th Group 1 title for his Tulloch Lodge trainers with an effort on Saturday that left no excuses for the beaten brigade.
Adding to the celebrations was the fact that Converge was bred by Evergreen Rich, which is managed by Bott's father Tony.
