Masekela denies Bayside Boy in Denford thriller

Royal Lodge could be next on the agenda for Balding colt.

Masekela got back up in the shadow of the post to claim Listed honours in the Denford Stakes at Newbury.

Bayside Boy took a narrow advantage in the final furlong, but Masekela battled on bravely and regained the lead in the dying strides.

Masekela (6-4 joint favourite), trained by Andrew Balding, set the pace in the hands of William Buick on what was his fourth start, his previous run being a short-head defeat in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket.

The El Kabeir colt gamely stuck to his guns to land the seven-furlong contest, formerly known as the Washington Singer Stakes, by a head from his market rival, who lost little in defeat on just his second outing.

William Buick returns victorious aboard Masekela
William Buick returns victorious aboard Masekela (PA)

Owner Mick Mariscotti said: “He fought back well after being headed and William says he will be a nice three-year-old.

“He has a couple of entries. In the Champagne Stakes over seven at Doncaster, but the Royal Lodge over a mile might be preferred as long as Andrew agrees. It’s probably the right distance.

“He was bought from Book 2 (Tattersalls) after we saw him on video and he’s a lovely, big horse.”

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