McMonagle charts rail route to glory.
Dylan Browne McMonagle rode with composure, as the dominance win of Je Zous in the Group Three Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies & Mares Stakes over Gowran on Saturday will stand testament to that. Trainer Joseph O'Brien's filly had an unconventional way of outscoring her rivals when she was all along the near-side rail, which gave it a performance both strategic and strong. Such is the run she has been enjoying in the season that yet another win in this is simply a highlight to a very impressive season.
Je Zous, at 17-2, was one of five runners in the race fielded by O'Brien, but McMonagle decided to take a slightly less traveled path that made all the difference. As the field neared halfway in this six-furlong dash, McMonagle elected to leave the beaten path off the home bend and run Je Zous across the track toward the rail. The bold move caught everyone by surprise but paid off fully, as the filly drew right away from the rest and won by a decisive length and three-quarters.
While One Look's companion to the mount, Caught U Looking, was straining to take the finish up the center of the track, Je Zous went calmly about her business along the rail, breaking clear to take the race. The other four O'Brien-trained horses filled the final four places, leaving no doubt that Je Zous was the standout on the day. She's a good filly; her runs have been very solid this year, and she was dropping down in class today," said O'Brien. "It's nice to win a group race with her because she's been very consistent all along.".
Je Zous' races have gone to plan with a creditable fifth in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot part of the program. Today's win only serves to reinforce the notion that she is the best of the season's filly files. "Her run at Ascot was very good, and she deserved to win a group race. It was a good ride from Dylan," said O'Brien while giving huge credit to the young jockey for his tactical good sense while riding the race.
So far as the future goes, O'Brien said maybe Je Zous will be contested at an international level. "The owners are New Zealand-based, and she'll be going to Australia at some stage.". Whether she has another run here or not on the way, we'll see," said O'Brien, hinting that this could be just the beginning of an exciting next chapter for Je Zous. But on a course well-watered, it was also seen here at Gowran how the race played its part in Je Zou's success, as O'Brien complimented the team on their work with the preparation. "The ground is well watered here today, and they've done a very good job with the going," he said, underscoring how the filly needed the conditions to perform.
This Group Three success was another milestone for McMonagle, who continues to strengthen his case as one of the most talented young riders in the sport. His decision to hang wide and avoid the congested middle of the track proved a masterstroke, not only showing tactical understanding but also growing confidence in high-pressure situations. For Je Zous, the victory is a good dividend that comes with the efforts and persevering work she has put into the season. After further extending her career into the international stage, this win at Gowran might give way to more significant feats shortly.
