Pogo slick
CHARLIE HILLS was celebrating as Pogo held on gamely to scoop the Betfred John Of Gaunt Stakes in a thrilling fourway finish to the Group Three race at Haydock.
Given an enterprising ride from the front by Kieran Shoemark, the son of Zebedee refused to be headed when challenged at all angles in the closing stages, holding on by a nose from Laneqash, with lastyear’s winner Kinross a further neck adrift in third.
The Frankie Dettori-ridden Sunray Major completed the quartet disputing matters at the finish and although flying home from his position at the rear of the field inside the final two furlongs, he was half a length away from the winner at the line.
Hills said: “That was fantastic and I thought Kieran gave him a peach of a ride. He used his initiative, got him to the front and controlled it from there.”
Meanwhile, Hollie Doyle says her dreams of a first Classic winner are definitely alive when she teams up with Nashwa in Friday’s Cazoo Oaks at Epsom.
Doyle, hoping to make history by becoming the first female to ride a Classic winner, said: “I’m counting down the days to next Friday’s Oaks now that owner Imad Alsagar has confirmed Nashwa will run.
“Imad and John and Thady Gosden had a difficult decision to make as she also had strong credentials for the French version.
“But I’m delighted she’s going to Epsom as I’m optimistic she will stay the longer trip and cope with such a unique test.
“The Gosdens have hot favourite Emily Upjohn, of course, who looked awesome at York. But Nashwa also takes a compelling profile into the race, so my dreams of a first Classic win are definitely alive.”
Yesterday 12 fillies were confirmed for the classic.
Aidan O’Brien, successful in last year’s race when Snowfall gave him a ninth victory, as usual has a strong hand.
Tuesday, placed in both the English and Irish versions of the 1,000 Guineas, appears to be his principal hope.
She is expected to be joined by Concert Hall, Thoughts Of June and The Algarve.
Emily Upjohn heads the Coral betting at 10-11 with Nashwa 9-2, With The Moonlight 6-1, Concert Hall 13-2 and Tuesday 8-1.