A Flashy Chestnut Double!
Sun 14 Aug 2022
WINNER 92 of 2022: PRINCE OF PILLO, trained by Keith Dalgleish and ridden by Callum Rodriguez: 'The William Hill Ripon Hornblower Conditions Stakes' over 5f at Ripon.
We have a good record in this race in recent runnings. 2018 Yousini 2nd, 2019 Ventura Lightning Winner, 2021 Dynamic Force, 2nd. This year, we sent the son of Prince Of Lir, for his second start, having won over 6 f at Ayr on debut.
At the off, he dwelt, but soon settled into 2nd on the outer. At the 2-pole the others came off the bridle as he continued to stride on. Pushed along to lead over 1f out, he faced a challenge but kept on well, pulling clear towards the finish, running on strongly to win by 1 and a 1/4 lengths.
"Prince Of Pillo finds plenty and stretches out to win The Hornblower." Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Ripon/13-August-2022/1340
Timeform rated it as a career best 92 and say: "Improved on his Ayr form to make it 2/2 and is clearly a bright sprinting prospect, settling better than on debut dropped in trip and finding plenty when pressured; pressed leader, went with enthusiasm, went on over 1f out, well on top finish; he's highly likely to go on again and will be well worth a crack at the Flying Childers next."
The Racing Post reported: "Prince Of Pillo could be set for loftier targets for the rest of the campaign after he maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive success in the Ripon Hornblower Conditions Stakes.
Winning rider Callum Rodriguez said: "He has so much speed and did that easily. He was having a look at the big crowd, but he won that at half-speed. The dominance he's shown means you have to think about Pattern races."
A return to Ripon for the Listed Two-Year-Old Trophy could be next for Prince Of Pillo, according to owners Middleham Park Racing's syndicate manager Mike Prince. "He has lots of speed and seems to have come on a lot since his debut win; that was a valiant effort," he said. "It'll either be back here, but it might come a touch too soon or the Harry Rosebery Stakes at Ayr as his options."
See the official photo gallery, here: https://louisepollard.co.uk/album.php?id=1037
WINNER 93 of 2022: LEXINGTON KNIGHT, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Rossa Ryan: 'The Cazoo Handicap' over 1m 4f at Wolverhampton.
2nd last time out, he was favourite to take this race. Drawn on the outer, Rossa asked him to stride on and he soon took the lead, setting a steady pace. Increasing the tempo over 3f out, he kept on strongly and went clear inside the final furlong, staying on well to win by 3 lengths. He has finished in the top 3 in 11 of his starts, so a fun horse to be involved with.
"Rossa Ryan at the double, as Lexington Knight goes on to win well." Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Wolverhampton/13-August-2022/1950
Timeform rated it as a 77 performance and Rossa said, in his Sky Sports Racing interview with Luke Harvey: "He's a bit lazy and I felt there was a lot left in the tank. He will get 2 miles."
See the official photos, here: https://www.jahphoto.co.uk/-/galleries/wolverhampton-horse-racing-2022/august-2022/14th-august-2022/race-5
Tim says: "Lexington Knight won with ears pricked and we will likely head to the £25,000 Bath final with him. The Ripon Hornblower Conditions Stakes is a race we have a good record in and Prince Of Pillo looks a very nice colt for his owners. Well done to both syndicates.
August has been a month for doubles - that was our 3rd! We are keeping our team busy with raceday badges, sending out winners photos to owners, covering social media and making exciting race plans for the 18 2 year-old winners we have had.
Yesterday we supplemented THE PLATINUM QUEEN for the Group 1 Nunthorpe and that has been well received in the media. You can read that story here: https://www.racingpost.com/news/latest/top-juvenile-filly-the-platinum-queen-supplemented-at-40000-for-york-nunthorpe/573157. A thrilling Ebor Festival ahead next week!"