Eurosport - Sat, 10 Oct 21:01:00 2009
Royal Rock came with a strong run to deny favourite Triple Aspect in the Willmott Dixon Bengough Memorial Stakes at Ascot.
William Haggas' Triple Aspect looked like obliging for favourite backers when striking the front with a furlong to run, but George Baker conjured a fine run out of the Chris Wall-trained Royal Rock who wrestled the spoils in the Group Three contest by a head.
Baker said: "He's been a nearly horse but he's now proved he's got the class to be at this level. I got there with a furlong to run and I'm glad it worked out well.
"Liam's horse was very game, but I always thought I had him covered. He's not been the easiest to prepare, but Chris Wall's team have done a wonderful job to get him ready."
There was a thrilling finish to the Willmott Dixon Cornwallis Stakes at Ascot, as Our Jonathan came from the clouds to snatch the Group Three prize.
Jamie Spencer anchored his mount at the rear of the field for much of the contest, before producing Our Jonathan with a withering run.
Richard Hills brought favourite Taajub with a fine late run which looked set to land the prize, but Spencer threaded his mount through a crowd of horses to grab the race in the shadow of the post.
Spencer said: "All the credit goes to Kevin Ryan and his team because last time he blew it at the start. Fran Berry rode him in Ireland and he thought he was quite good.
"As long as he grows up and chills out a bit, there's no reason why he shouldn't make a smart sprinter next year."
Frankie Dettori (pictured) produced a masterful ride to land the Ladbrokes Handicap on Opinion Poll.
Dettori steered a wide course for the much of the race before engaging battle with long-time leader and stablemate Kings Destiny with over a furlong to run.
The pair settled down to fight out the finish and it was Michael Jarvis's bottom weight who came out on top.
Roger Varian, assistant trainer to Jarvis, said: "He's been ready to run for a few weeks, but we've been frustrated because of the ground.
"He's quite a lazy horse but it was hard to gauge how fit he was. The November Handicap (Doncaster) would be an option for him and Kings Destiny."
Comment 1 - 1 of 1
rock on George,well done.
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