FUJAIRA IS THE PRINCE AMONG HORSES IN EBOR
UNLIKE the highwayman Dick Turpin, hung for theft at York racecourse, punters will not be sent to the gallows after stealing a bundle when favourite Fujaira Prince triumphed in the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap on the Knavesmire.
The grey, partnered by Andrea Atzeni, never gave his 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 the 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 Varian, 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 famed as “the race that stops a nation”.
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.
“We’ll look at the QEII at Ascot again and he’s in a race or two on Arc weekend at Longchamp,” said Quinn.
“He could do both and there’s also a very valuable race at the
Breeders’ Cup – a mile on turf round two turns (Breeders’ Cup Mile). You can normally get plenty of cut in the ground at Keeneland.
“That’s just a pipe dream but it’s something to think about.”
Coltrane completed his hat-trick with a dominant display in the Sky Bet Melrose Handicap at York.
Andrew Balding’s three-year-old did not make his debut until late June but has made rapid progress in the space of a couple of months, with two sound efforts in defeat followed by back-to-back victories at Chepstow and Newmarket.
Facing a step up in class on the Knavesmire, Coltrane was sent off at 12-1 in the hands of champion jockey Oisin Murphy and moved smoothly into contention before pulling four lengths clear of Arthurian Fable.
“He had shown some nice work at home earlier in the year. He took a while to get his act together, but he won well at Chepstow and again on fast ground at Newmarket,” said Murphy.
“Being a typical Mastercraftsman, he relished a bit of dig in the ground today.”
Hollie Doyle’s golden summer continued when Certain Lad gave her a first winner at the York Ebor meeting, taking the Strensall
Stakes for trainer Mick Channon. IN AUSTRALIA yesterday, apprentice jockey Tom Sherry made an expensive shopping expedition in between riding at Randwick.
He was fined £500 for his trip to the shops to buy dog food after he told the stewards he was going home to his sauna to help lose weight for rides later in the day.
Sherry has literally been in the doghouse this week as he was fined for not giving one of his mounts every opportunity to win at Wyong racecourse last month.