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The Andrew Balding-trained Coltrane produced an impressive performance to win a slowly-run Group 3 Sagaro Stakes with favourite Trueshan (evs) back in fourth.
The Andrew Balding-trained Coltrane produced an impressive performance to win a slowly-run Group 3 Sagaro Stakes with favourite Trueshan (evs) back in fourth.
Rajinsky set steady fractions out in front with eventual winner Coltrane settled in third by Oisin Murphy. Jockey Hollie Doyle made the decision to press for the lead with Trueshan at the six furlong marker and the favourite remained in control until the final bend. Oisin Murphy produced Coltrane on the outside with a strong challenge and the stayer swept clear of his rivals to score by four-and-three quarter lengths. Wise Eagle followed the winner home and held on to keep second ahead of the improving El Habeeb. Trueshan finished fourth.
Jockey Oisin Murphy told Sky Sports Racing, "I was so impressed with that. He relaxed great, the pace was slow but he took off when we got racing and gave me a really nice feel late on.
"When Hollie [Doyle] took off, I was able to travel on the back of her heels really easily and I was surprised by the kick he gave me in the straight. The horse should improve for the race. I think he could be a top class stayer, fingers crossed."
Coltrane has been cut from 10s to 5/1 in places for the Ascot Gold Cup at the Royal meeting in June.
Hurdling for Trueshan?
In a post-race interview, Trueshan's trainer Alan King outlined future plans for his Flat star. "We'll give him a break, train him for the Gold Cup. That will obviously be ground dependant but there's a strong possibility you will see him over hurdles in the autumn.
"I just don't think there's much fight left in him at the minute. For him to finish fourth, it's pretty poor and weak finishing. Northumberland Plate was a tough race, Goodwood was a tough race, Ascot here when he won was a brutally tough race and I think he's just a bit frightened to go through the pain barrier at the moment, that's my view of him. I thought I may have overreacted at Nottingham but I always think your first thoughts are the right ones".