Solid win for Saddler’s Rock maintains Oxx’s perfect record

IRISH master John Oxx maintained his 100 per cent record in Britain this season courtesy of success for Saddler’s Rock in the Stobart Doncaster Cup.

In the wake of Alanza continuing her rapid progression in a Group 3 on Town Moor 24 hours earlier, it was a surprise that punters allowed Saddler’s Rock, from the last crop of possibly the greatest sire of all time, Sadler’s Wells, to go off at 11-2.

Unraced at two, he had been progressive this season and was a close third behind Fictional Account and Fame And Glory in a trial for the Irish St Leger. Backers were possibly put off by the unheralded Niall McCullagh doing the steering rather than Johnny Murtagh, but students of the Irish scene will know the pilot is more than capable given the ammunition.

It was not all plain sailing, and Saddler’s Rock was first off the bridle, but even when Frankie Dettori was apparently sat with a double handful on the favourite, Opinion Poll, McCullagh had not asked for everything. When he did the response was immediate and he shot clear of Goodwood and Lonsdale Cup winner Opinion Poll to score by four lengths.

“He’s a very economical little horse and he only does what he has to,” said McCullagh. “When I gave him a squeeze three-out he took off but I didn’t want to get there too early. He finished his race off well and he’ll be a nice Cup horse next year.”

Lyric Of Light entered the 1,000 Guineas picture with a gutsy display in the Barrett Steel May Hill Stakes. Winner of a Newmarket maiden on her only previous start, the 9-1 chance fought out the finish with John Gosden’s 2-1 favourite Fallen For You, who arrived with similar credentials. The pair bumped each other close to home, but Dettori’s mount prevailed by a head, adding to Godolphin’s already strong hand with juvenile fillies.

David Wachman’s Requinto was well fancied for the Nunthorpe last month but ran no sort of a race when 15th behind Margot Did. However, back against his own age group and, probably more importantly, racing on a firmer surface, the 100-30 favourite bounced back to winning ways in the Polypipe Flying Childers.

Roger Varian’s Ektihaam overcame obvious signs of inexperience to keep his perfect record intact in the Frank Whittle Partnership Conditions Stakes. The seven-furlong contest proved an effective stepping stone for the mighty Frankel 12 months ago and while Ektihaam was not as visually impressive, he looks certain to go on to better things.

The Newbury maiden winner was sent off the 8-15 favourite to make it two wins from two starts and Richard Hills looked content in the saddle for much of the race. There was a brief moment of worry when Mizwaaj arrived against the nearside rail to mount a challenge and Hills briefly had to get to work. But Ektihaam was then able to find an extra gear and passed the post with four lengths in hand.