3 minute read

Aidan O'Brien's second string Crusade won a dramatic Emaar Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Fourth on his last start in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes on the same track, the juvenile was sent off at 25-1 under Seamie Heffernan and won by three-quarters of a length from the supplemented Lilbourne Lad, with another Ballydoyle runner, Reply, in third.

The fancied Caspar Netscher looked something of an unlucky loser, having been well behind with a furlong to run before flashing home to finish just behind the placed horses, but the well-fancied Family One, Bapak Chinta and Burwaaz all failed to get involved

Balty Boys and Michael Hills raced alone on the far side and finished fourth.

Heffernan said: "He's improved from run to run. I'm never surprised (when outsiders win) any more. We have to make them good. It's grand. His last race fitted in when he needed a run and it was a prep for this.

"When it comes together, it's great, but when it doesn't, it's horrible. He takes his races well and has plenty of scope and speed. They have to keep improving (to be a Classic contender), but he's in the right place."

O'Brien added: "He ran a lovely race here the last day when he didn't get home over seven furlongs, but he won his maiden very easy at the Curragh.

"We weren't sure if it was the trip or if he got a little bit tired last time, but he took a step forward today. He handled the dip well and travelled very well.

"The boys will speak about if he runs again, but he could be a Breeders' Cup Juvenile horse on the dirt. He's got speed and travels and gets the six well, but that will be discussed."

Richard Hannon, trainer of runner-up Lilbourne Lad, stated it was likely his charge would now head off to stud. "He's been a great servant to us. It's not a done deal but as he's by Acclamation, it's quite likely he'll go to stud now," he said.