3 minute read

Karl Burke’s three-year-old hung tough in the closing stages to claim the Group 3 prize at Newbury.

The Karl Burke-trained contender created a taking impression when landing the Listed Carnarvon Stakes over course and distance on his reappearance before a late setback ruled
him out of the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. However, compensation would wait for connections of the progressive three-year-old, who showed a bright turn of foot before fending off a host of late challengers at Newbury on Saturday afternoon.

Clifford Lee found himself well-poised behind the pacesetting duo Quinault and Regional and once popped the question, Elite Status quickened up smartly to hit the front with a furlong to travel. William Haggas' Commonwealth Cup runner-up Lake Forest looked to lay down a challenge to the 5/2 market leader in the closing stages, but the line came in time for Elite Status and Lake Forest would once again have to settle for the silver medal spot.

The winning distance was half a length with the same margin back to the third-place horse Kind Of Blue, who emerged with plenty of credit on just his fourth career outing. Regional battled on well once headed to finish fourth for Ed Bethell and Callum Rodriguez.

Winning rider Clifford Lee told ITV Racing: "He's a very good horse and he's still improving."

"I felt we went a nice gallop and once I asked him, he quickened up nicely through the gap. He is very delicate, but he could go right to the top."

Paddy Power cut the winner to 8/1 (from 12s) for the Sprint Cup at Haydock.