Baitha Alga ran out an impressive winner of the Investec Woodcote Stakes at Epsom
Last Updated: 07/06/14 10:45pm
Baitha Alga (15/8 fav) ran out an impressive winner of the Investec Woodcote Stakes at Epsom under Frankie Dettori.
Richard Hannon's youngster was always well placed in the six furlong Listed contest.
Mambo Paradise struck for home under Silvestre de Sousa but the ever-popular Dettori was content to bide his time and the Fast Company colt picked up well when asked to go about his business and ran out a comfy winner.
Ballymore Castle did close the gap to two lengths but Ryan Moore's mount struggled to go the early gallop and was several lengths adrift of the field coming inside the final two furlongs before rattling home to deny Red Icon minor honours.
A trip to Royal Ascot now awaits the winner and the winning rider said: "He had a great chance and it was very straightforward - I had the box seat and he quickened up well. He'll go to Ascot now and he's on course for another big run."
There was no flying dismount, however, with Dettori explaining: "I broke my toe five weeks ago when I banged it against the stalls at Warwick. It feels OK at the moment, but I didn't really want to risk it with Royal Ascot round the corner."
Hannon said: "We've always liked him and he can go five or six furlongs at Royal Ascot. He's taking his racing very well."
Expanding on Ascot plans, Hannon said: "He couldn't run in the Windsor Castle without a penalty, so it would either be the Norfolk or the Coventry and I'd favour the Coventry at this stage.
"He's very professional. We had a few entered up, some people wanted to wait for Royal Ascot, which is fine, but he has come and picked up a nice prize here.
"He's the sort of horse you can also go to the Goodwoods and Yorks with, and he could be a Gimcrack horse."
Sky Bet introduced the winner into the betting for the Coventry Stakes at 12/1 and spokesman Michael Shinners said: "Baitha Alga looked extremely professional today and looked like a horse going places.
"A stiff six is the unknown for him but the way he relaxes and travels suggests he should get the trip. He looks a major player for the Coventry Stakes on the first day of Royal Ascot."