What we learned: Why Modern Games, Adayar lost at Ascot

Modern Games and Adayar each ran second in their respective races on British Champions Series day at Ascot Saturday. Adayar remains possible to ship to Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup, and Modern Games looks probable to make the trip. Both runners show valid excuses for losing.

In the case of Modern Games, a likely fast pace and soft ground affected him in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. And Adayar lost significant ground with a wide move in the Champion Stakes (G1).

Here is a recap of both of their trips.

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

Modern Games broke sharp and caught a break at the beginning when the betting favorite Inspiral immediately lost a few lengths after not breaking with the field. In contrast, Modern Games made use of his tactical speed to settle in third early behind the pacesetter Jadoomi and El Drama.

To cover the first excuse, the pace likely went too fast. Races overseas do not use fractions, which makes it tougher to study pace. But once Jadoomi and El Drama spread out to form a straight line with Modern Games in third, the gaps in between hinted they were moving fast.

When it came time to move, jockey William Buick asked Modern Games in an aggressive manner. But he did not seem to accelerate. Modern Games initially had trouble trying to pass El Drama for second.  

At some point, Modern Games did get past El Drama and barely caught Jadoomi at the wire. But on the far side, Bayside Boy already had gone by all of them for an upset win.

Modern Games’ trainer Charlie Appleby offered another excuse.

According to a quote on Racing Post, Appleby said, "William Buick said he tried his heart out but he just couldn't get his feet out the ground.”

Blaming the surface for the loss has been an old excuse. But maybe Modern Games does prefer a firmer course. Two of his graded-stakes wins came in North America, where the surfaces are harder.

Modern Games remains a big threat to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile, especially with his proven success on this continent. Whether he offers enough value is another story. As of this writing, he faces competitors from British Champions Series Day, such as the third-place Jadoomi and British Champion Sprint Stakes (G1) winner Kinross.

Champion Stakes

Modern Games' stablemate Adayar won two Group 1 races in the 2021 season. This year, Adayar began his season late by winning the Doncaster Conditions Stakes in September. With a successful return in tow, trainer Charlie Appleby put him back into a Group 1 race at Ascot.

When studying the Champion Stakes, first watch the eventual winner Bay Bridge and the dream spot he settles into right behind Stone Age. Bay Bridge takes up the pocket position and saves all the early ground.

Meanwhile, Adayar bides his time in mid-pack and slightly outside.

When they round the final turn, Adayar made a wide and sweeping bid, while Bay Bridge only needed to switch to the two path to pass Stone Age. Adayar held the lead at the top of the stretch, but he lost costly ground and found himself four wide when they entered the stretch. 

Upon straightening out, Bay Bridge fought back and retook the lead. Adayar did not give up, and the two of them went into an exciting battle. Running behind the pair were Prospero and the superstar Baaeed, who made his final start and could not accelerate enough.

Bay Bridge kept holding off the resilient Adayar, who was starting to get tired toward the wire. Adayar barely held second over Prospero in third, while Baaeed disappointed many fans and bettors with his flat fourth.

Considering the ground loss, Adayar arguably ran the best race in the Champion Stakes, while Bay Bridge took advantage of the ground he saved to fight back against Adayar in the stretch and prevail at the end.

If Adayar makes the trip for the Breeders’ Cup Turf, consider him a huge threat.