Without A Fight (IRE) has confirmed his status among the most promising stayers in the land when putting his opponents to the sword in the $1,200,000 Group II Sky Racing The Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
Ridden by Mark Zahra for Anthony and Sam Freedman, Without a Fight bounced off his win in the Group III Lord Mayors Cup to keep his record perfect for his new stable.
The 6yo son of Teofilo (IRE) defeated Nonconformist (Rebel Raider) by two lengths with Duais (Shamus Ward a neck back in third.
Without A Fight (IRE) arrived in Australia with a big reputation when trained by Simon and Ed Crisford. The winner of three stakes races in Europe, including the Group III John Smith’s Silver Cup Stakes at York, Without A Fight (IRE) failed to strike a blow behind Gold Trip (FR).
Bred and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum, Without A Fight advances his record to nine wins, three seconds, and four thirds from 20 starts with earnings of $1,246,620.
“He ran in the Melbourne Cup, it was a bit too soft for him. He had some issues post-race, which prevented him from racing,” Anthony Freedman said.
“He went and had some surgery, and he’s come back really well. Previously he was on-pace, but we’ve turned that around.
“He looks like he’s got a bright future. He’ll have a spell (in Queensland), go home, and we’ll see how he goes in the spring.”
“He’ll have up to a month off and then probably look at the Caulfield Cup and see where we end up.
“It’s only June, so it’s bit early to be talking about the Melbourne Cup. We’ll see what happens.”
Mark Zahra said it wasn’t plain sailing.
“He pulled quite hard, but it was a great win. He pulled most of the way, and it took me a while to try and get him,” Zahra said.
“I had to go for another hold there at the 1200 (metre mark), and I thought I better start creeping into this because I might have pulled the finish out of him, but it didn’t. Extraordinary win.
“Anthony and Sam have him flying. They’ve been patient with him and haven’t run him until he’s right.”
Without A Fight (IRE) is the best of four winners from five to race for the Group III-winning Dubawi mare Khor Sheed, whose unraced daughter Sharja Princess (Invincible Spirit) is the dam of Grade II John C Mabee Stakes winner Avenue de France (Cityscape).
Khor Sheed is a half-sister to Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan winner Prince Kirk (Selkirk).
