Johnny Drama edges Wild Flower thriller
Balding’s all-weather ace brings up four-timer in Listed Kempton feature.
Johnny Drama completed a four-timer with a narrow victory in Kempton’s Listed Unibet Wild Flower Stakes. Andrew Balding’s King Power Racing five-year-old held on tenaciously when tackled deep in the final furlong by Sinjaari, who was moving back up in trip for last year’s winning combination of William Haggas and Tom Marquand. Silvestre De Sousa always had Johnny Drama in a prominent position, close to the pace set by Sextant. The 15-8 winner took over just after the Kempton cutaway, with market rival Sinjaari still back in sixth place, and established enough of an advantage to prevail by a short-head even as the 6-4 favourite closed with menace. Sextant was a length further back in third. De Sousa was riding his 99th winner of 2020 on the much-improved Johnny Drama. He told Racing TV: “I got myself on the inside, a mile out, and I felt the pace was just steadying up. “But when I came to the junction, he was rolling – and I couldn’t see any dangers coming, until the last 50 yards I saw the other horse near me. “But he fought, and really wanted to win tonight. “I’ve found he’s really got better since he’s had his tongue tie. He still struggles a bit with his breathing – you have to fill him up every furlong – but when you ask him a question, he really wants to do it for you.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ballyburn secures record-breaking win for Willie Mullins
Trainer sets another new mark with 4,378th career success.
-
State Man seals perfect season with Punchestown glory
Willie Mullins’ charge sees off Irish Point in the Boodles Champion Hurdle.
-
Brides Hill strolls to Punchestown victory
Gavin Cromwell’s mare registers 21-length verdict in Grade Two company.
-
Outbox springs 50-1 surprise in Jockey Club prize
Veteran performer strikes Group Two gold at Newmarket.
-
Boiling Point too hot for Newmarket rivals
Royal Ascot next on the agenda for Roger Varian’s charge.
-
O’Brien and City Of Troy all set for Classic day of reckoning
All the work has been done – now the big day has come for unbeaten Guineas favourite.
-
Beautiful Diamond aiming to sparkle in Palace House
Connections believe filly can make her mark over five furlongs this term.
-
Caviar hits Newmarket Heights for Karl Burke
Listed winner now 33-1 for the Derby after impressive outing.
-
Rosallion ready to rumble after winter of content
‘I know he’s the best in the yard… we’ll find out on Saturday if he’s the best in the race’.
-
Lossiemouth poised for starring role on final day of Punchestown
Magnificent grey mare can complete unbeaten campaign.