Cold Case swoops late for Commonwealth Trial triumph

Ascot honours for Karl Burke and Clifford Lee.

Cold Case began his season in the best possible fashion when coming home strongly to win the British Racing School 40th Anniversary Commonwealth Cup Trial Stakes at Ascot.

Karl Burke’s three-year-old enjoyed a good season last year, winning a valuable sales race at Doncaster before ending with success in the Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar.

Sent off a 5-1 chance in what looked a very strong Group Three, he was caught out for speed over a furlong from home as Hollie Doyle and Bradsell, returning from a lengthy absence, shot clear.

Archie Watson’s Coventry Stakes winner looked as though he was about to resume winning ways, but on his first start since sustaining an injury in the Phoenix Stakes 270 days ago, he began to tire in the closing stages.

Clifford Lee on Cold Case sensed his opportunity and swept into the lead, triumphing by a length and a half, with 125-1 outsider The X O finishing well for second. Bradsell was a further short head back in third.

Lee said: “I thought as he hadn’t run for a while he might need it, but he picked up really well.

“He’s a good galloper, very consistent, and he has a bit of boot as well.

“I will be more confident wherever he goes next time.”

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