Ability graduated to weight-for-age level in style with victory in Sunday's Group III Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Sandown Lakeside.
Last before the home turn, Ability ($5) came with a powerful finish to overwhelm Lankan Rupee ($4.40 fav) inside the final 100m to score by a neck with Duke Of Brunswick ($5.50) a further 3 1/2-lengths away in third.
This is what the jockeys thought of the performance of their ride in Bletchingly Stakes.
Race 7 – Group III Bletchingly Stakes (1200m)
Place |
Horse |
Jockey |
Comments |
1st |
ABILITY |
Dwayne Dunn |
He didn't step that well and I was in a bit of trouble early. He floundered in the going and dipped at the 600m but once he got out wider in the straight he really took off. We've always had a big opinion of him - he's the new kid on the block and ticked a lot of boxes today. |
2nd |
LANKAN RUPEE |
Craig Newitt |
Super run, really happy with him. He got a little bit keen mid race when he was jammed in amongst them. He gave me a really good kick at the 300m and he was pretty good through the line. His condition only give out late and he was beaten by a horse that's rock hard fit. Very happy with him. |
3rd |
DUKE OF BRUNSWICK |
Damien Oliver |
He ran well but struggled a bit for traction getting off the bottom of the turn. The winner quickened too well for him but he stuck on well. |
4th |
CHARMED HARMONY |
Katelyn Mallyon |
Excellent run, he was really good. |
5th |
DIVINE TEN |
Harry Coffey |
Happy with his run in those conditions and against that class. He stuck on well after a bit of a wide run. |
6th |
LORD OF THE SKY |
Arron Lynch |
He just needed the run again, he's just taking a while to build fitness from having the year off. |
7th |
SAVANNA AMOUR |
Ben Melham |
She raced in restricted room there for a bit but she was struggling on the ground. She's had a nice blow and will improve for it. |
8th |
TASHBEEH |
Cory Parish |
A good run but he's not a wet track horse - gutted we couldn't run it last Saturday. |
9th |
CHOCOLATE HOLIC |
Damian Lane |
He didn't handle those conditions at all - he was struggling a long way out. |
Last |
KEEN ARRAY |
Regan Bayliss |
He dipped at the start and then was gone the whole way - he didn't handle the ground. |