Matter Of Opinion In Lonsdale

Opinion Poll wins the Lonsdale.

Opinion Poll put up a determined effort under Frankie Dettori to land the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup at York.

The Michael Jarvis-trained four-year-old drifted out to 9-2 before the off with doubts about his ability to handle the quickening ground and he was settled towards the rear by Frankie Dettori.

Samuel travelled well for much of the contest and King Of Wands was also produced to challenge inside the final furlong, but Opinion Poll found most down the outside to beat the former by half a length.

Dettori said: "You dont want too many of these in one day. He was quite lazy half-way through the race.

"We had to knuckle down deep in the last two, but I knew there was plenty in the locker.

"He is a much better horse on soft ground but he showed great guts today.

"The autumn is going to be scorching when he gets the ground."

Jarvis' assistant Roger Varian said: "It's a bit frustrating. We can run him on good ground but everybody knows he's better on softer.

"He's not had soft ground since he won at Nottingham. He lets himself down on good ground, but not on anything quicker.

"In hindsight, it was a good decision not to run him in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and hopefully we can have a good autumn with him.

"He's very relaxed, which gives him every chance of staying even further."

John Gosden, trainer of both Samuel and the third King Of Wands, added: "They both ran great. They could have done with a stronger pace but Richard (Hills, on Akmal) slowed it down in front and that's his business."