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Ninth Legion earned himself a Doncaster Handicap exemption with a solid win in the Villiers Stakes.
Ninth Legion went forward from his wide barrier (11) and worked in the early stages before racing in second place behind the free-running leader Listen Son.
He moved up well rounding the home turn, went to the front at the 300m then fought back well to win by just under a length. It was a good effort.
Limes was quickly away the eased to enjoy a good trip in third place. He improved three deep rounding the home turn, challenged at the 200m and kept fighting on for a sound second, beaten three quarters of a length.
Alma’s Fury was smartly away and then had a good run in fifth place, one off the rails. He improved on straightening and put in a good run to challenge at the 200m before fighting on for third.
The 2011 Villiers Stakes (Gr 2, 1600m) winner Monton was handily placed from his inside barrier (1) and raced in fourth place on the rails most of the way and kept battling on in the straight to hold that position to the post, beaten just over two lengths, in an honest effort.
Said Com was back in eighth place most of the way to the 600m. He was crowed for room on turning for home, got into the clear at the 200m and then plugged on fairly well for fifth, beaten two and a half lengths.
Destiny’s Kiss ran on well along the rails after being back in eleventh place to the 600m to finish sixth while the favourite Taxmeifyoucan ($5) was shuffled back between runners to be in front and was well back at the home turn but disappointed in the straight to finish 13th, beaten almost ten lengths.