English/Ire
Kon Tiki sales to Sky Bet Fillies' Stakes success
Jane Chapple-Hyam looks to have a useful prospect on her hands after Kon Tiki stretched her unbeaten record to three with a smooth win in the Listed Sky Bet Fillies' Stakes at York.
A two-time winner on the all-weather at Kempton, Kon Tiki sports the famous colours of Peter Harris, who enjoyed notable success on this card twelve months ago when his July Cup hero Mill Stream ran out a narrow winner of the Duke Of York Clipper Stakes.
Whilst Chappel-Hyam and Peter Harris were made to wait over a photo-finish for their success last year, there was little doubt about their latest winner of the Knavesmire as David Egan moved into contention travelling powerfully at the two-and-a-half-furlong marker.
Egan said go on the daughter of Night Of Thunder and with an impressive turn of foot, she picked up readily to strike the front. Those in behind set off in hot pursuit of the new leader and although Bermuda Longtail emerged from the pack to chase her down, Kon Tiki always looked to be doing enough out in front, going on to score by a diminishing half a length crossing the line.
Ed Walker's Troia finished back in third.
A trip to Chantilly now looks to be on the cards with Jane Chapple-Hyam keen to dip her toe into Group 2 company, with the top-level Falmouth Stakes back at Newmarket a possible main target later in the season.
Chapple-Hyam said: "I had her in the (1000) Guineas but decided to come here, she was coming off the all-weather and I just thought it was a nice start for her.
"It allowed her to come through in her coat and Mr Harris (owner) likes them to go gradually up the staircase, no rush.
"We'll head for the Sandringham, a Group 2 at Chantilly, and that's a nice stepping-stone from the Listed race today. For me, I'd be hoping for the Sandringham and then the Falmouth."
Check out the latest Sydney News