FREE AND EASY

Hornby still on track with star Alcohol in Cup

Alcohol Free continued jockey Rob Hornby’s magnificent week in the Group 1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket.

The rider landed Friday’s Falmouth Stakes on surprise package Prosperous Voyage and he looked to have another stiff task aboard Andrew Balding’s 14/1 shot who had shown all her best form over a mile.

However, the filly showed blistering speed as she powered through the six-furlong contest before making rapid headway to join the trailblazing Naval Crown (4/1) inside the final furlongs.

The runner-up didn’t go down without a fight but the winner stayed on admirably in the closing stages to triumph by just over a length with Artorius (8/1) a gallant third.

Warm 9/4 favourite Perfect Power never looked dangerous and plugged on late to finish seventh.

Hornby said :“It’s absolutely crazy. “It’s all down to the filly, she’s been an absolute star for her owner Jeff Smith, who is such a huge supporter of the sport.

“For her to go and win another Group 1, dropping back to six furlongs, it was always something we were going to consider. She’s got speed and a great deal of class.”

Alcohol Free is now a general 6/1 shot for more top-level glory the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydockin September.

Isaac Shelby (3/1) laid down the law for Brian Meehan in the bet365 Superlative Stakes. The juvenile was a fairly well-fancied 3/1 shot for the Group 2 having bolted up on debut at Newbury in May.

The two-year-old was always prominent in the seven-furlong contest before storming to the front two furlongs out for a confident Sean Levey.

The colt was quickly challenged by Victory Dance (5/4 Fav) but he showed both class and guts to repel his determined rival by a head with Dark Thirty (10/1) third.

Meehan said: He’s very, very nice. “You’re always tempted to make predictions but he really is the business I think. He’s very special and could be a Guineas type of horse.

“He’s got a good temperament and Sean Levey knows him well, it’s a good package.”

Isaac Shelby was cut to 25/1 for next year’s 2000 Guineas back at the Suffolk venue.