The 2 1/2 mile contest included a mixture of runners from different codes but it was the Irish raider, who has won over three miles over timber, who took the spoils at 12/1 under a confident Fran Berry for trainer Charles Byrnes.
Berry’s mount would have been a good 25 lengths off the pace, with only one rival behind. as the field passed the packed stands with a circuit of the track to go, Asbaab and Sardinia setting what was a decent pace up front.
The complexion of the race changed just over three furlongs out as Villa Royale and then Another Cocktail made their moves around the home turn.
Jimmy Fortune sent the latter to the front going well but was quickly challenged and passed by Sizzler, a horse with undoubted stamina who looked like setting sail for home.
But, out wide, Berry had Domination rolling and a couple of cracks with the whip were enough to inspire the seven-year-old into a lead he was never going to give up.
Another Cocktail, whose stamina was something of a question mark, actually stayed on again once headed and took second at 20/1 ahead of Sizzler (16/1) and Sohar (also 16/1).
Berry said: “I had to ride him like that more by accident than design, he walked out of the stalls and they went quick. That made my mind up for me.”
Byrnes said: “He’s my first ever runner (at Royal Ascot). He probably should have run in this last year.
“Fran spoke to me about this race two years ago but I didn’t take any notice but he (Berry) went and won it last year anyway (on Well Sharp for Jonjo O’Neill).
“He was slow away and lost two or three lengths and Fran decided to let it all happen in front of hi It was a fantastic ride, he just had one crack at them. He’s in the Queen Alexandra on Saturday but maybe Goodwood next.”
Comments are closed.