Aidan O’Brien’s colt was having his seventh race of the season and had already contested some of the season’s hottest races – the likes of the Lockinge Stakes, the Coral-Eclipse, and the Qipco Sussex Stakes. Not two weeks ago he had hopped over to Deauville for the Prix Du Haras De Fresnay Jacques Le Marois (Group 1).
But he showed no signs of fatigue and stayed on well to beat Trading Leather (5/1) and Al Kazeem (11/8f).
Toronado’s (9/4) exertions in beating Dawn Approach at Goodwood in the Sussex Stakes at the end of July looked to have taken more out of him than was perhaps apparent. He was soon in trouble trying to keep pace with his rivals in the long home straight and eventually finished a distance last.
Sir Michael Stoute’s Telescope (5/4f) put the disappointment of Haydock behind him by winning the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes in very good style. He seemed to be very keen in the early stages but jockey Ryan Moore said afterwards it was more to do with his long stride than any particular keenness that means he has to try and hold him in check.
It was the first part of a double for Moore, who also won aboard Clive Brittain’s Bahamian Heights (12/1) in the closing nursery race (16.55).
Telescope’s victory also marked Highclere Thoroughbred Racing’s 400th winner, which is a fine achievement for the racing syndicate.
The opening sprint handicap on the card (13.55) gave a welcome win for Kevin Ryan’s Bogart (7/1). On his last run at York in July the saddle had slipped on him and gave jockey Amy Ryan an horrific high-speed fall. Ridden today by Neil Callan while Amy recovers, there was no such drama as he sprinted up the stands side to win from Goldream (9/1). It was good to see Amy in the winner’s enclosure to applaud him back.
The fillies take centre stage in Thursday with the Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Group 1) over 1 mile 4f. John Gosden’s The Fugue is favourite but faces some younger rivals in the shape of Epsom Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture and Riposte, winner of the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.
