Chateau books Royal Ascot ticket at Beverley
Classy Balding youngster just 8-1 for Norfolk Stakes.
Chateau earned quotes for the Norfolk Stakes when getting out of trouble just in time to win the bet365 Two Year Old Trophy Conditions Stakes at Beverley. Andrew Balding’s youngster was one of of three in the field without a win to their name – but that did not stop the punters sending him off the 2-1 favourite. His backers would have been worrying with two furlongs to run, though, as William Buick was all dressed up with nowhere to go. While Chateau was still on the bridle, Rogue Spirit had shot clear under Jack Mitchell and looked to have made a race-winning move. Buick finally got in the clear on the son of Havana Gold, who had finished third on his only race to date, and he quickened in the manner of a smart juvenile to win by a neck, with both Betfair and Paddy Power going 8-1 for Royal Ascot. Balding said: “He’s a horse we’ve always liked a lot, ever since we got him from the breeze-ups. “He was a little unlucky on his debut at Salisbury and I thought he was going to be unlucky again today, but Will managed to get out in time. “He had the class to get up and he’s obviously very good. Ascot would be the plan now as long as he comes out of this OK. “It will be between the Windsor Castle and the Norfolk and we’ll have a chat with his owner and see which way he wants to go.” Buick was also seen to good effect on Roger Varian’s Robert Walpole (11-10 favourite) in the Best Odds Guaranteed At bet365 Handicap. I’m A Gambler registered his fifth career success in the bet365 Handicap. Mark and Charlie Johnston’s charge was slowly away but soon on an even keel and the 13-2 chance came with a run down the centre of the track to beat Percy’s Lad in clear-cut fashion. “You wouldn’t think he’d have the speed to win over six like he did at Hamilton a couple of starts back,” said Charlie Johnston. “He does like tracks with a stiff finish. At Newmarket last time he was just on his head the whole way. “I’m a little annoyed I didn’t enter him for Epsom next week now, but that course might not suit. I’m sure there’ll be something at Goodwood for him and he’s in at his beloved Hamilton on Thursday.” The Johnstons and Jason Hart doubled up when Achnamara (5-2) won the Price Promise At bet365 Handicap with plenty to spare. The victory of Spells At Dawn in the bet365 Very British Raceday Restricted Maiden Stakes was a real family affair. George Boughey’s Land Of Eagles was an odds-on favourite under Buick but looked ill at ease on the track and was always on the back foot. On the other hand, Stefano Cherchi bagged an early lead on Spells At Dawn (6-1) and he made all to beat 100-1 shot Jazz Samba by three-quarters of a length. The winner is owned by Julie French, was bred by Martyn Hill and is trained by their son, Alex French. Hill said: “It means more when you breed them too and we know everything that goes into this. “He’s improved with every run and we weren’t frightened of taking on the favourite. He’ll keep on improving.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Macduff team expect Classic Trial test to suit
Colt moves up to 10 furlongs with Derby aspirations on the line at Sandown.
-
‘Talented’ Nostrum makes Mile return at Sandown
Connections hoping to see ‘true’ colt after a difficult 2023 campaign.
-
Al Musmak aiming to outrun Guineas odds
Roger Varian’s contender is currently rated a 50-1 shot for Newmarket Classic.
-
Willie Mullins has to settle for minor honours in Perth Listed events
Trainer did register a winner at Ludlow with 1-7 shot Daddy Long Legs.
-
Bucanero Fuerte set to skip Guineas with Ascot sprint preferred
Phoenix Stakes victor ‘highly unlikely’ to take up Classic engagement.
-
Ballysax scorer Dallas Star added to Derby field
Adrian Murray targeting Epsom with shock Leopardstown winner.
-
Andre Fabre left wondering if ground was behind Newmarket disappointment
Alcantor remains on course for French Guineas despite Craven eclipse.
-
Amateur Ella Herbison performs miracle recovery to claim first victory at Perth
The 7lb claimer went on to win by a length and three-quarters.
-
Neville eager to take Oaksey test with The Real Whacker
‘It’s the first time I’ve seen good ground in a long time, so we’re looking forward to it’.
-
Chester and York options under consideration for Arrest
Colt finished seventh on his seasonal bow at Newbury.