SMASHING CUP VICTORY FOR BALDING OUTSIDER
MONTALY was on his best behaviour to win the 188Bet Chester Cup – minutes after he had disgraced himself by almost injuring trainer’s wife Anna Lisa Balding.
A loveable rogue, he kicked out before he cantered down to the start and Anna Lisa had to take evasive action.
He still connected with her handbag and smashed her iPhone that was inside, but he redeemed himself minutes later with his unexpected big-race success.
Anna Lisa said: “I was very lucky he didn’t connect with my head. My phone is smashed but I’ll be able to afford a new one now.
“I’m in shock. We almost didn’t run him due to the fast ground but it was just about all right.
Special
“He’s a bit special. He is quirky and has a few issues. He likes to kick out and can be a nuisance. But he is a loveable rogue and these sorts of horses are more adorable.”
Montaly, a 16-1 shot, burst between horses to collar Mark Johnston pair Watersmeet and Yorkidding before repelling the late lunge of Fun Mac and Who Dares Wins.
Enable booked her ticket to the Oaks and gave Khalid Abdullah and John Gosden a potential Classic headache.
The daughter of Nathaniel was battered by stablemate Shutter Speed at Newbury last month but staked her claim for Epsom glory with a decisive victory in the Arkle Finance Cheshire Oaks.
Frankie Dettori put Enable on the shoulder of early leader Erica Bing and kicked for home two furlongs out. She was chased all the way by Alluringly, but she could never land a blow.
Shutter Speed will head to the Musidora at York next week and Lord Grimthorpe, Abdullah’s racing manager, said it was a “happy position” to have two such talented fillies.
He said there was a doubt about Shutter Speed staying the mile and a half at Epsom and she had “other options”. But Enable will definitely head for the Investec Oaks. He added: “She travelled well and it was all part of her education. The runner-up looks like a nice filly so I hope it was a good race.”
Earlier John Egan maintained his superb record at Chester when he forced David Evans’ Yogi’s Girl back up on the line to chin Black Orange in the Stellar Group Lily Agnes Stakes.
She could go to York next week for the Marygate Stakes.