Conduit leads home Stoute 1-2-3
Saturday, 25 July 2009 16:55Conduit lead home a one-two-three for trainer Michael Stoute in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Sent off the 13-8 favourite, the Dalakhani colt proved stable jockey Ryan Moore correct in his selection as he lead home the Mick Kinane-ridden Tartan Bearer.
Ask, partnered by Olivier Peslier, came home third - although the stewards were quick to call an inquiry after the trio got very close in the final few strides. However, the placings remain unaltered after the inquiry.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained outsider Rockhampton set off in front, going a good clip and pulling five lengths clear at one point as Moore maintained a watching brief towards the back of the chasing pack.
Rockhampton was reeled back in turning for home, with stable first string Golden Sword the first to make his move under Johnny Murtagh.
However, the Stoute trio were just starting to motor, with Ask and Tartan Bearer beginning to kick for home, with the latter first to hit the front.
Moore was happy to sit on their heels, though, before making his move inside the final furlong and a half, collaring Tartan Bearer inside the distance.
Conduit drifted slightly across the track to the rail, but Moore kept up the drive to prevail by a length and three-quarters, with a head dividing the minor players.
