Royal Scotsman returned to winning ways by doing everything to win the Betfred Diomed Stakes at Epsom under the fine ride of Jamie Spencer.
Spencer bounced the charge of Paul and Oliver Cole, who was third in last year’s 2000 Guineas, off stand five in the Group Three competition over a mile and a half and the 17/2 chance went well installed in front.
He then broke clear in the straight for an emphatic success by two and a quarter lengths ahead of the remaining Royal Dubai, with Highland Avenue a length further back in third.
Royal Scotsman was 25 lengths behind the crowd on his return to action in last month’s Lockinge at Newbury, but bounced back to his best form with a bang here.
“We’ve always thought a lot about that horse. He probably had a good chance in the Dewhurst and was unlucky, he probably had a really good chance in the Guineas and was unlucky,” he said. said Oliver Cole.
“After that there were a few disappointing races, he had bone bruises, then at Lockinge he dropped his jaw coming out of the pits.
“The plan was always to go ahead today so he could relax at the front. These Gleneagles horses are quite tense and if you fight from the start it costs you dearly in the end. That proved that at the end of his two-year career and his three-year career, but he did it very well and I couldn’t be happier.
“Deep down I thought he might let us down again, but he really didn’t.”
Regarding his future plans, he said: “Maybe he will go to the Sussex Stakes now. He has an entry at Ascot, but I think that will come too quickly. Now we have mastered him, I hope that ‘it will be fun to be.’ had.”
Breege leads the Princess Elizabeth Stakes
A group finish at the Princess Elizabeth Stakes saw Breege take home honors for John and Sean Quinn with Jason Hart in the saddle.
There were plenty of bad luck stories in the Group 3 event despite there being only eight runners, but Breege won the race and edged out Chic Colombine and Royal Dress by a neck.
Favorite Running Lion faded after running over the opposite rail and then had nowhere to go as she remained in the closing stages.
Breege battles for victory under Jason Hart in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes
John Quinn said of Breege: “She is a filly who was racing at the highest level last year, she was placed at Royal Ascot and has just started in the Whispering Angel at Glorious Goodwood.
“She ran well all last year and ran very well on her return this season at Goodwood, beating two short heads, but people started to suggest she didn’t want to win.
“We didn’t think that, we thought she was just unlucky and today she held on. She really fought and she’s got her head in front again.
“It’s wonderful to win a race named after the late Queen on this magnificent track.
“As long as she’s doing well, she’ll run in the Group 2 fillies’ race at Royal Ascot, at the Duke of Cambridge, all good.
“We can’t say she didn’t deserve this so we’re delighted.”
Persica wins opening honors
Richard Hannon and Sean Levey struck in the first game as Persian won the Hong Kong Jockey Club Lester Piggott Handicap.
The 9/2 chance was always to the fore in the 1m 2f competition and held up well in the closing stages to fend off the challenge from well-backed favorite Portsmouth, who were unable to make the most of a dream race . the far rail after running in the middle of the division, by two and a quarter lengths.
Persica, ridden by Sean Levey, stays strong to win the Hong Kong Jockey Club Lester Piggott Handicap ahead of Portsmouth
Redhot Whisper edged Blake for third place, three lengths back.
Hannon now wants to send the son of New Bay to Royal Ascot where a move to a group company could be considered depending on the impact of the handicap.
“I always thought he was a really good horse and he’s definitely improving,” Hannon said.
“He wasn’t lucky at Newbury last time, but he did well today. He’s a bit mentally fragile and I didn’t think he would like being here today with how close he is to everyone. But he managed to do it well in front and I’m very happy with it.
“He will go to Royal Ascot, and which race now, I’m not sure. There are three options and we’ll see what the handicapper does, one option could be Hampton Court.
“He may have been flattered by the way he got to the front and controlled the race, but nevertheless a winner on Derby day – it’s not the Derby but it seems like a big one.”
Blue Storms Lead to ‘Dash’ Success at 3
A high draw proved to be the key to the Betfred 3YO ‘Dash’ Handicap over five furlongs as Blue Storm prevailed.
Rossa Ryan came from behind and fought her way through the field on the 8/1 chance trained by Gemma Tutty, who was drawn in stall 20 from 20, to win by three quarters of a length in front Sturlasson, drawn 17, and Due For Luck, drawn 19, with Hollie Doyle fourth on Enchanting.
Tutty, who was making his first trip to Epsom, said: “He’s been so settled at home, almost lazy and then when you see him on the track he gives us a hard time because he’s so fast.
“The long-term plan was the Palace of Holyrood House at Ascot. We thought we would come here and run well along the way, but to win is obviously fantastic. Rossa is excited about the project.”
