Newmarket Saturday April 30 review: Knight Owl
Saturday 30 April 2016 16:55, UK
More from Qipco 2000 Guineas day at Newmarket where George Wood secured a valuable success aboard Knight Owl in the opener.
Knight Owl gifted young rider George Wood his biggest career victory to date when making a winning return to action in the championsofracing.co.uk Suffolk Stakes at Newmarket.
Despite being the apparent second string of trainer James Fanshawe, who also saddled Arthenus, the six-year-old improved on last year's fourth in the one-mile-one-furlong race when triumphing under the 7lb claimer.
Having tracked the early pace, the 20/1 shot was sent on between the final two furlongs, and although he faced several late challengers close to the line, he was not to be denied with him holding on to victory by half a length from Examiner.
Fanshawe said: "George has been with me two years. He works very hard and his riding has improved. He rode him beautifully.
"I think when things go right for him he can go forward. He wants cut in the ground but I feared the extra furlong. He was out in front for a while but they were not going to get past him.
"I've not thought any further, but he might get in the Hunt Cup."
Ikerrin Road continued his progression for John Quinn in the Harbour Watch Champion Two-Year-Old Handicap.
Three runs at Wolverhampton since the turn of the year have seen the Iffraaj colt progress nicely, but he faced a step up in class here.
Shane Foley gained an advantage running into the dip and while 5/2 favourite Yattwee gave chase, the 8/1 chance had a length in hand at the line.
Sean Quinn, the trainer's son and assistant, said: "He's progressing along nicely and to be fair we always thought he was quite smart last year, but for one reason or another it didn't quite work out in his first couple of maidens.
"He's strengthened up over the winter and I know he won over seven furlongs last time, but Dad always wanted to drop him back in distance and you can see why.
"There's a good programme for smart three-year-old sprinters. He's only won off 85 so we won't get carried away and something like the big sprint at York before Ascot might be a plan."
