Saturday 4 October 2014 16:55, UK
Limato produced a remarkable performance to win the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar without seemingly ever leaving first gear.
The Henry Candy-trained gelding is held in the highest regard and showed just why in taking his unbeaten record to four.
Smartly away in the hands of Graham Lee from his draw in stall three on the far side, the 6/5 favourite was cruising throughout and his rider was sat with a double handful a furlong and a half out.
He just needed to be merely nudged out from there to win with a very comfortable length and a half in hand of Mattmu. Wet Sail was third.
Candy said: "You don't get them like that very often. It was a most amazing performance. I think Graham was absolutely blown away by it. He didn't know what to say when he came back. It was wonderful.
"Ascot's new three-year-old race (Group One sprint at the Royal meeting) will be the plan next year.
"We were very lucky to get away with the ground today and now I think the weather's changed he won't get his ground again this year.
"The only other race would have been the Rockingham at York next week. I know's he had an easy race today, but I think it would be better if he had the winter off now.
"I think good to soft would be fine. Once it got to proper soft then I don't think he'd be able to use that action, but you don't know until you try."
Assessing the son of Tagula's talent, Candy told Racing UK: "He's light framed and has got the most wonderful temperament.
"He was working with Music Master once or twice quite early in the year which was a big ask for a two-year-old and I'd say this horse was as good as any I've trained.
"It's hard for three-year-olds, so it's wonderful we've got these extra races. It's going to be new territory next year.
"He doesn't want to run very often. He's a light-framed creature and a race before Ascot would be nice."
Muteela produced a fine performance from the front to take the Listed totescoop6 EBF Guisborough Stakes elsewhere on the card.
The Mark Johnston-trained filly was a close sixth to Kiyoshi at Doncaster's St Leger meeting and has progressed through the ranks, having won a handicap at Beverley on her seasonal debut from a mark of 78.
Tawhid moved well through the race and did look a danger at one point, but Muteela (9/4) found plenty in front for a ready three and a half length triumph.
