3 minute read
A marked step up in grade awaits Foundation after he confirmed himself a high-class prospect with a taking win in the Listed Betfred Membership 'Play Your Way' Stakes at Haydock.
Sir Alex Ferguson's presence at the track gained a mixed reaction amongst racegoers - this is a Liverpool hot-bed, after all - but, typically, the former Manchester United manager had the last laugh.
Ferguson is one of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicate members responsible for Foundation, who stayed unbeaten with a really smart performance in the Listed event over a mile, despite again being tardy on exiting the stalls, as he had been at this track on his debut.
John Gosden's young colt even earned quotes for next year's Investec Derby after the even-money favourite cosily accounted for Champagne City by three lengths under Frankie Dettori, making up ground effortlessly in the straight in a race better known as the Ascendant Stakes.
Ferguson said: "He's a very nice horse and Frankie liked him a lot.
"I think the Royal Lodge (Newmarket) would be a possibility."
Balty Boys will head to Ascot on Qipco Champions Day after winning the betfred.com Superior Mile at Haydock.
Runner-up in the Group Three 12 months ago, the increasingly likeable six-year-old gamely justified 11-4 favouritism under Silvestre de Sousa.
Brian Ellison's inmate was never far away from long-time leader Master Carpenter and looked to have a great deal left in reserve as he lunged a length and a half clear of Sovereign Debt.
Balty Boys holds an entry in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, but he is more likely to run in the Balmoral Handicap on the same card.
Ellison said: "I wouldn't know how much more he can improve as every time he runs, he improves.
"He's in the QEII at Ascot but I think we'll look at the £250,000 handicap (Balmoral Handicap)."
Young Scottish trainer Iain Jardine was positively cock-a-hoop after Nakeeta claimed the £60,000 Betfred Mobile Old Borough Cup.
Jardine only moved into Len Lungo's historic Dumfriesshire stables on September 1, and marked the occasion in the best possible fashion.
The 20-1 shot endured a bruising route to victory - birthday boy Royston Ffrench said he was "knocked sideways" turning out of the back straight - but his perseverance ultimately paid off with a neck defeat of Pearl Castle.
"This is absolutely fabulous as this is the biggest race we've ever won," said Jardine.
"They didn't go that quick, and I was a bit worried, but he stayed on really well.
"I'm not sure what's next, but he looks to be peaking at this time of the year.
"I knew he'd run a big race."
Nakeeta is declared at York on Sunday, but his trainer said it was "unlikely" he would run.
Maljaa (5-1) showed speed in abundance to take top honours in the Betfred TV Be Friendly Handicap.
Disputing matters from the off as the field raced mainly together in the centre of the track, the Paul Hanagan-ridden winner again showed the benefit of headgear, as he had when wearing blinkers for the first time in winning at Doncaster earlier this month.
B Fifty Two was slowly away but finished with a real rattle and might have been counted a shade unlucky in being beaten a neck in second.
Half-brothers Seve and Ballesteros showed up well for some way but were ultimately found wanting at the business end.
Winning trainer Roger Varian said: "H e's not very big, but has some gears and is a very fast horse. He's really getting the hang of sprinting.
"The headgear is just helping him concentrate. I was a bit worried two out, we were up there for the taking, but Paul said he stuck his head out and wasn't going to get beaten."
