3 minute read

Elite Status was cut to 5/1 (from 50s) for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot following a power-packed performance in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

Always towards the fore under Clifford Lee, the striking son of Havana Grey displayed a breathtaking turn of foot at the two pole, putting his rivals to the sword in a matter of strides.

The William Haggas-trained Relief Rally made good headway from the rear of the field to set off in hot pursuit of Karl Burke 's contender but in all truth, she never looked like reeling in the 9/1 winner, who eventually scored by an impressive two- and three-quarter lengths.

Adaay In Devon finished back in third.

An impressive winner in Group 3 company at Deauville as a two-year-old, Karl Burke's colt was subsequently tried at the top-level but failed to reach the heights when only beating one home in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on his last start.

"He sort of lost his way towards the end of last year but we were expecting him to run well," said Clifford Lee, the winning rider.

"Today he's done it nicely and we can look forward to the future now. He's had his little niggles and the ground towards the backend of last season probably went against him."

"He's been freshened up and has strengthened up. He's done that very nicely today. He's a big horse with a big stride and we got him into a nice rhythm."

"He got a little bit idle in front but when one nearly came to me, he found a little bit more."