English/Ire
Mgheera flies late for Temple Stakes success
Mgheera came with a wet sail to strike in the Group 2 Betfred Temple Stakes at Haydock on Saturday.
Formerly trained in France by Mme Manon Scandella-Lacaille for leading owners Al Shaqab racing, Mgheera was sent off a 10/1 chance as she bid to make it two from two for her new connections following a smooth debut win for handler Ed Walker in the Group 3 Prix de Saint-Georges at Longchamp.Carrying the colours of new owners Lord Lloyd Webber and Arthur Mitchell for the second time, the five-year-old travelled sweetly in the hands of William Buick, who was clearly enjoying his day at the Merseyside venue having already ridden three winners on the card.
Longshot Law Of Average set a scorching pace, with Buick happy to bide his time towards the rear of the field. The Irish raider She's Quality caught the eye travelling sweetly on the far side but once William Buick got to work on his mount, she fairly motored home against the near rail to score by half a length.
She's Quality lost little in defeat back in second, with Washington Heights a further half-length behind in third.
Whilst a potential trip down under to be covered by Too Darn Hot is on the cards, Walker is keen to have a crack at York's Nunthorpe Stakes if she remains in training.
"She's done absolutely nothing wrong since she joined us and we weren't massively surprised when she won in France," said Walker, speaking to the PA.
"The only thing that I was surprised about was how much she drifted in the betting. She was 4/1 and she's gone and won at 10/1.
"I know it wasn't the strongest Group 2 ever, but it was deep enough."
The daughter of Zoustar was cut to 14/1 (from 20s) for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, with Walker confirming that as her intended target.
He added: "She's always slowly away, whether she'll keep getting away with it, particularly at Ascot, which is where I think we'll go next, I don't know.
"A stiff five will suit her but I think the Nunthorpe will be perfect for her, she's very quick.
"There's talk of her going to Australia to visit Too Darn Hot, but it will be hard to pass up a realistic chance in the Nunthorpe – I hope!
"It looks an inspired decision to buy her now in hindsight, but we didn't envisage it working out this well. We knew her form quite well from taking Makarova over to France and she wasn't beaten far by Bradsell in a Listed race.
"The game looks easy when it turns out like this. It's pretty cool and she's very exciting."
The victory rounded off a remarkable day for jockey William Buick, who claimed a stunning 401/1 four-timer on the card.
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