Prize Prince
CLASSY FUJAIRA LANDS EBOR FOR VARIAN
FAVOURITE Fujaira Prince landed the gamble to win the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap at York yesterday.
The grey, partnered by Andrea Atzeni, never gave supporters any moments to reach for a cigarette or bite their fingernails as he cruised to victory from Glencadam Glory.
Verdana Blue, one of the stars over hurdles last season, finished a gallant third.
The winner, sent off at 11-2, was only the second favourite to oblige in t h e richest
Flat handicap in Britain since Purple Moon in 2007.
“It was very smooth really,” said Atzeni. “He jumped nicely, we got our position, travelled beautifully and stayed on all the way to the line.
“He’s a very willing partner and it’s a great training performance.”
Roger
Va r i a n ,
the successful trainer, has yet to nominate future plans but he received encouragement from the Australian handicapper to make the trip for the Melbourne Cup.
Paddy Power were quick off the blocks when giving Fujaira Prince a 20-1 quote for the event. The aptly named Safe Voyage is also under consideration for foreign travel after taking the Sky Bet City Of York Stakes for trainer John Quinn and jockey Jason Hart.
Quinn said: “We’ll look at the QEII at Ascot again and he’s in a race or two on Arc weekend at Longchamp.”
Hollie Doyle’s golden summer continued when Certain Lad gave her a first winner at the York Ebor meeting when taking the Strensall Stakes for Mick
Channon.
(4.40) showed some promise last time out and could outrun his price at Wolverhampton.
Down to a mark of 131, Dianne Sayer’s course and distance winner is the best call for a place in the 2.15 at Cartmel.