SPANISH Mission was in a league of his own as he bagged the Doncaster Cup on Friday.
Andrew Balding’s four-year-old said ‘adios’ to his rivals at the two-furlong pole and put the race to bed in a matter of strides.
It was a significant win for the colt, who had appeared a suspect stayer at 2m in the past.
But he is now 2-2 since moving to Balding’s from David Simcock, and this victory opens up all sorts of doors going forwards.
The Grand Visir (10-1) tried to make it a true test of stamina over the unique 2m2f trip, but 6-4 favourite Spanish Mission was always travelling kindly under William Buick.
He loomed up just over two furlongs out and unleashed the weapon his opposition were severely lacking – a change of gear.
He was three lengths clear of Selino (12-1) at the line, with The Grand Visir plugging on for a distant third.
Earlier on the card, Ubettabelieveit caused a huge 40-1 shock in the Group 2 Flying Childers.
The Nigel Tinkler-trained speedster stormed home late to catch the favourite Sacred in the final strides.
Tinkler said: “He showed how good he was in the National Stakes at Sandown – he’s a very, very good horse.
“Last time, I probably shouldn’t have run him over six there. He ran too keen, and the ground was horrific.
“Everything went wrong, but luckily Oisin Murphy looked after him. But he’s a very good horse, and I don’t often say that.
“How he was 40-1 – it was probably because I trained him! National Stakes winner, 40-1 for this, unbelievable.
“You’re always wondering at this time of year, quite a long season – ‘is it too late in the year’?
“But he was working well, and this is brilliant. He was given a fantastic ride by the jockey.”
More to follow…
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