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Sumo Sam (4/1) proved she was all heart once more with a tenacious success in the Group 2 Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster.
Paul and Oli Cole's filly finished a well-held sixth in a Royal Ascot handicap in June having been slowly away but relished a change in tactics and testing conditions when springing something of a surprise to land the Lillie Langtry by eight and a half lengths at Goodwood last month.
As Tom Marquand did at Goodwood, Rossa Ryan wasted no time in allowing his mount to stride into an early advantage and it was clear from the outset that this was going to be a gruelling test of stamina.
The lead remained four lengths approaching the four-furlong marker, but the challengers began to mount up and it was eroded to virtually nothing as they entered the final two furlongs. Lmay, who travelled up sweetly towards the outside, looked to get upsides with a furlong to run, whilst One Evening continued to snap away at their heels back towards the far side rail.
However, as hard as they may try in behind, Sumo Sam was not for passing as the daughter of Nathaniel continued to pull out all the stops in front and eventually drew clear for something of a cosy one-and-a-half-length success.
The 12/1 chance One Evening got the best of the battle for second spot ahead of Lmay, who outran her 22/1 SP back in third.
William Haggas' well-fancied Golden Lyra was heavily eased out of contention and finished a disappointing distant last.
"I probably didn't want to go as quick as I did early doors but when we got to the top of the hill, she dropped it, so I was able to control what I did and fill her up where I wanted," Rossa Ryan told ITV Racing.
"It was going to be a stamina test today and she was always going to stay and stay well.
"They got to be at the furlong pole, but they came to be very slowly, and she was only doing enough for me.
"Fair dos to Paul and Oli [Cole] for getting her out of Goodwood in top shape and you'd imagine she'll only get better as she goes into being a four-year-old."
"It's absolutely incredible, you thought a furlong out we're going to get swallowed up here, but it was almost as if she was idling in front," said Oli Cole.
Cole was quick to pay testament to the owners Ben and Sir Martyn Arbib, who landed the St Leger thirty-three years ago with Snurge.
"It's wonderful the Arbib's have been such wonderful friends and owners for years and they've had a bit of a quiet spell.
"They've had a few good horses but it's brilliant to bring it out and I'm really happy for them.
"We've a small team of horses really but I couldn't be prouder."
Paddy Power cut the winner from 16/1 to 10/1 for the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot in October and although Oli Cole didn't rule it out speaking to ITV Racing post-race, he suggested a tilt at the Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp could be on the cards.
Cole added: "Potentially [Ascot], although there is the Royallieu in France on what I think is that weekend isn't it. She might for as she's entered in that, and you normally get soft ground don't you."
