3 minute read

Royal Rhyme hit all the right notes when coming clear for a wide-margin success in the opening Coral Kincsem Handicap.

The well-backed market leader Perfuse (2/1) was struggling for racing room from an early stage but failed to pick up when in the clear. By that time, the bird had flown and Royal Rhyme, who was back on a slower racing surface following his slightly disappointing effort in the London Gold Cup, was already well clear.

The son of Lope De Vega was asked to quicken up entering the final furlong and he duly responded with a taking turn of foot.

Have Secret won the battle for second but was ultimately six and a half lengths behind, with Alsakib three-quarters of a length further back in third.

Winning rider Clifford Lee said: "We have definitely liked this horse for a while. Today he had a great draw [2] and the plan was to get in amongst them, get him to relax, and he has finished off his race really nicely.

"I thought we went a nice, even gallop. He always travels so well, and he loves passing horses. Last time out didn't really help because I was stuck wide and didn't get any cover.

"I was in a lovely position throughout and he travelled lovely through the race. Once we went through the three [furlong marker] today, I knew we were going to pick them off. It was just a matter of pushing the button.

"He is a nice horse when things go right. He definitely needs cover, so being in amongst them helps. You can really be patient, and today he has done it well.

"I think he is definitely Listed class and possibly a Group horse in the making. This is his kind of trip. He probably would get further if he learns to relax, but for now, definitely a mile and a quarter.

"He loves this type of ground. He travels very well on it. I think it has dried up a lot compared to yesterday; it's quite loose and tacky out there and definitely on the soft side."