What appeared to be a disappointing weekend for the international stable of Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby at Saratoga Race Course was salvaged as homebred Measured Time scored an impressive victory in the $1 million Manhattan Stakes (G1T) June 8 while stablemate Nations Pride completed the Godolphin exacta.
“It’s been a long few days, so this was our last chance for this meet,” said winning jockey William Buick, and he made the most of that chance.
Breaking from the far outside in post 8, Buick allowed his colt to range up alongside pacesetter Strong Quality , ensuring a decent tempo for the 1 3/16-mile distance as fractions were clicked in :23.14, :48.34, and 1:11.64.
“It was our plan to go forward because we’ve sort of not been getting the rub of the green lately,” Appleby said following several defeats during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. “We thought we’d try to make a run up on the front end and a great ride by William. The horse has got such a stride you just want to let him get on with it.”
Measured Time took the lead entering the far turn as favored Program Trading looked ready to make a move to his outside.
Turning for home, Measured Time drifted out toward the middle of the racetrack but stayed on his mission, never looking in danger of losing as Program Trading faded. Measured Time would finish two lengths ahead of stablemate Nations Pride, who rallied late to finish second in a photo with Ohana Honor and Far Bridge , who dead heated for third.
Measured Time completed the the Manhattan in 1:51.94 and paid $8.20 to win.
Measured Time showed his inexperience in the stretch, but Buick is optimistic for the 4-year-old’s future.
“He’s still got a bit to learn, he’s not the finisher just yet.” Buick said. “He ran home strong and he’s an exciting horse for the future.”
The Manhattan was a first start in the states for the son of legendary Juddmonte stallion Frankel , but his success should come as no surprise. Out of the Street Cry mare Minidress , Measured Time is a half brother to Godolphin’s 2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) winner Rebel’s Romance .
The victory was a sixth in eight starts for Measured Time, who spent the winter at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, winning the Jebel Hatta (G1T) in January before running fourth in the Dubai Turf (G1T) March 30.
Despite a slow weekend, the England-based Appleby has had much success bringing horses over to the states. After the race, he credited taking the horses to Dubai as being an advantage, giving him an idea who performs well on a track more modeled after those in the U.S. compared to tracks in Europe.
Measured Time became racing’s newest millionaire, increasing his career earnings to $1,279,650.
Frankel stands at Banstead Manor Stud in the United Kingdom for £350,000. Measured Time is responsible for both of Frankel’s group/grade 1 wins this season. Other top runners by Frankel in 2024 include English Rose , Outbox , and Spirit Dancer, among others.
