Sunday 10 July 2016 09:46, UK
Jamie Spencer steered Deauville to Grade One success in the Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes at the New York track.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt was close to the pace set by Toughest 'Ombre before Spencer kicked for home on the final turn.
That move proved decisive as Deauville took a couple of lengths out of the field. Highland Sky put in a strong late challenge but the line came just in time for the Irish raider.
O'Brien's other runner Long Island Sound never threatened, while Richard Hannon's Humphrey Bogart was also never able to strike a blow.
Connections felt the return to a mile and a quarter was the key factor behind Deauville's victory.
O'Brien's assistant TJ Comerford said: "A mile and a quarter is probably his ideal trip. He's top-class over a mile and a quarter.
"I saddled two good horses, but the trip just worked out a little better for the winner.
"He finished stronger, had a good set-up and was left with plenty of run.
"The best horse won and he gave a great effort."
Spencer added: "I spoke to Aidan earlier and he was adamant that if I got a good break, to be positive and lead if there wasn't a leader.
"When you set them alight, sometimes they don't switch off again.
"But he switched off great once he turned into the back stretch.
"He was full of energy and had plenty left in reserve for the stretch. He's a hard-trained horse who was ready for the day."
The two O'Brien-trained runners, Ballydoyle and Coolmore, were out of luck as Catch A Glimpse made all the running to lift the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes.
Mark Casse's Catch A Glimpse took her winning run on turf to eight as she saw off all-comers in the hands of Florent Geroux.
Jamie Spencer, successful earlier on Deauville in the Belmont Derby, was in second place on Coolmore until halfway down the straight where Time And Motion stormed past her to close on Catch A Glimpse and claim second place.
Ballydoyle could not strike a blow and was eased right down by Colm O'Donoghue in the closing stages.
