Penhill makes perfect start Saturday Ascot round-up

A review of the rest of Saturday afternoon's meeting at Ascot as Penhill made an immediate impact for Luca Cumani.

Owner Tony Bloom is best known as an international poker player and he appears to have played a good card in purchasing Penhill as he made an immediate impact with victory in the Leo Bancroft Signature Haircare Handicap at Ascot.

The four-year-old won three times for James Bethell last term before changing hands for 230,000 guineas at Tattersalls last October and is now with Luca Cumani.

Ridden with patience and a bit keen for his own good in the early stages, the well-backed 15-8 favourite cruised up to ease into the lead approaching the distance but appeared to be running out of reserves as New Year's Night came at him in the final 100 yards.

It took a photo to reveal that James Doyle's mount had held on by a short head.

Doyle said: "He was a bit gassy going into Swinley Bottom and I think if he came back a tad in trip that wouldn't hurt."

Bloom was represented by Sean Graham, who said: "Tony wants to improve the horses he owns and this is the type of quality individual we are looking for.

"The only snag is that he's ground dependent and when we found it had dried out, we thought about not running him.

"He wants a strong pace and a big field off which he can travel. His best win last year was on bottomless going at Ripon."

Agent Murphy (9-2) stepped successfully out of handicap company to lift the Listed Carey Group Buckhounds Stakes on his seasonal debut.

The Brian Meehan-trained four-year-old had shown progressive form last term and took another big stride forward with a stylish victory against some seasoned opponents. Agent Murphy galloped on strongly in the final furlong to win by three lengths from the pace-setting Red Galileo, who fought back to claim second place.

Meehan said: "He's a grand horse and he's improving. He's won that in a fast time.

"We were going to look at races overseas for him, but after that I think we will re-evaluate and possibly bring him back here for the Royal meeting.

"He's doing some very encouraging things at home, leading some of my good horses and I thought I had him just about ready today."

Temptress took a keen grip for much of the Garrard Fillies' Handicap, but at the business end Roger Charlton's four-year-old picked up stylishly for Doyle, reeling in the field one by one and clinching a double for the jockey.

The daughter of Shirocco, who is part-owned by Lady Bengough, showed her liking for this course with a victory last year and although 11lb higher now, has clearly gone the right way.

Charlton said: "It's nice when owner-breeders can look to pick up some black type and unfortunately Lady Bengough had a lunch appointment she couldn't get out of, so she isn't here to see her filly win.

"She (Temptress) is a really lovely filly who was bought by Amanda Brudenell for just 15,000 guineas, but after winning so well here we ran her back a bit quick and she picked up an injury.

"I had seven runners yesterday that all ran below par, but we had targeted Temptress at this race which is a valuable prize in its own right. James said she was a bit keen early on, so it was a good effort to pick up like she did and win it with authority."

Coyle secured a fine treble aboard Steady Pace (10-1).

Lining up in the Totepool Racing's Biggest Supporter Maiden Stakes, the Godolphin runner showed the demeanour of an experienced operator to pick off his foes and come home unchallenged by two and three-quarter lengths from the gigantic Beaverbrook.

Winning trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "He'd shown us some class in the mornings and was only 85 per cent fit.

"He can operate at five furlongs or six and we shall look at the National Stakes at Sandown before considering a race back here."

Doyle was magnanimous in his praise of the Dark Angel colt, adding: "He'd worked with older horses, like all our two-year-olds do.

"He travelled really sweetly, and when he hit top gear he was away, winning like a nice type."

Childesplay turned the Rosling King 25th Anniversary Handicap into a procession under Tom Marquand.

The Heather Main-trained filly was sent off a 20-1 shot but burst clear of the pack to come home three and a half lengths clear of Stellarta.