Jan Brueghel demonstrated his class by holding off Bellum Justum to maintain his unbeaten record in the John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.
Starting as the 4-5 favourite, the son of Galileo was expertly guided by Ryan Moore, who urged him past the early pacesetter, Meydaan, before engaging in a two-furlong tussle with Andrew Balding’s Bellum Justum.
Meydaan initially surged to a five-length lead in the mile-and-a-half race, but was overtaken by Aidan O’Brien’s charge well before the finish.
Though Jan Brueghel took the lead, he faced a strong challenge from Bellum Justum, with the two horses neck and neck inside the final 100 yards. Moore's urging saw Jan Brueghel prevail by a neck, securing the Group Three victory and suggesting there’s more to come.
O’Brien remarked that Jan Brueghel clearly stays very well but remains quite green and immature. The horse had to do an extra lap in the parade ring, and Ryan Moore noted his greenness going to the start. He performed better when another horse was leading, but on his own, he was somewhat unsettled. As a young horse, he has significant potential for improvement.
O’Brien believes that time and experience will benefit Jan Brueghel. He expressed satisfaction with the horse's progress, particularly given their decision to take him to the Curragh twice and now to Goodwood. Moore did an excellent job managing the horse.
Jan Brueghel led the other two horses to the front but was then left alone, and his inexperience became evident as he looked around and seemed unfocused. Despite this, he still fought hard when Moore asked him to, which was encouraging.
O’Brien indicated that they are likely to head straight to the St Leger. This race served as a crash course for Jan Brueghel, and considering it was only his third run, there may not be time for another race before the St Leger. The horse's noticeable weight gain today is typically a sign of maturing rather than unfitness.
Additionally, O’Brien mentioned Illinois, who won at Royal Ascot, as another option for the St Leger, and Los Angeles, the Irish Derby winner, is also a possibility.
Moore added that Jan Brueghel will continue to improve and that there is definitely more class in him; they just need to bring it out.