bernadini the real deal?

By Dave Ord

Sheikh Mohammed's European season may have failed to spark into life but across the Atlantic he looks to own the leading colt of his generation.

Bernardini is his name - and the son of AP Indy heads to Churchill Downs with a growing legion of fans and a favourite's chance in the Classic.

He has won his last six races, a roll that started with victory in a mile maiden at Gulfstream Park. It was a lowly beginning.

That was in March. Six weeks later ge was at Aqueduct for the Grade Three Withers Stakes. A near four lengths defeat of Doc Cheney suggested he had an engine.

Even so it was a leap of faith for connections to head to the Preakness Stakes without another race. If it was a gamble, it didn't show on the track.

The official winning distance was five-and-a-quarter-lengths but in all honesty the race was over from the moment Tom Albertrani's charge went to the front a furlong out.

Bernardini was then given a break before heading to the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga. A sloppy track awaited him there - but runner-up Minister's Bid could get no closer than nine lengths at the line.

The colt was on a roll. Next back up to Grade One company for the Travers Stakes - the result a seven-and-a-half lengths demolition of Bluegrass Cat on a fast track. He looked a horse without flaws.

That impression was only conformed by a six-and-three-quarters length defeat of Wanderin Boy and company in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park earlier this month.

Bernardini heads to the Breeders' Cup with an aggregate winning margin of more than 40 lengths in some of the biggest races the American circuit has to offer.

He is exciting people - including those closest to him.

"I was hoping to see him run as easy as he did last time. I've got a fresh horse for the Breeders' Cup now," beamed Albertrani.

"He does things so easily. I don't know if anyone can give him the kind of race where he has to fight.

"This was exactly what we wanted to see, and he'll be fresh for the next one."

The only concern raised by those who have yet to be converted to Bernardini are what will happen if he is challenged for the lead through the early stages?

They tried that in the Jim Dandy but jockey Javier Castellano was never worried.

"He's a special horse, and that kind of a horse is hard to find. He's my spoiled baby," he beamed.

"I liked the way he did it today. He settled down perfectly behind the speed horse. I didn't want him on the lead because I want him to be focused for his next race, the Breeders' Cup.

"In the Breeders' Cup someone may want to go for the lead. There is more pressure and more pace in that kind of a race."

There is. But then again Bernardini has looked the real deal thus far. Sheikh Mohammed's annus horibilus could still be rescued at the last.