Ascot review and free video replays: So Regal on top for Billy Loughnane and the Gosdens

So easy in October

So Regal (11/10 favourite) returned to winning ways in the Listed BetMGM British EBF October Stakes at Ascot.

The three-year-old, trained by John and Thady Gosden, was progressive in the spring, winning her maiden and a novice over a mile before finishing second at this level and fifth in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes in August on her latest start.

Eased in grade and returned to seven furlongs, So Regal raced in touch with the leaders under Billy Loughnane before quickening to take up the running with a furlong to run, keeping on well to win by a length and a quarter and the same from American Gal and Secret History.

Loughnane told Sky Sports Racing: "She's very straightforward. The Gosden team filled me with confidence beforehand, her form had been very good into the race. She relaxed with cover and quickened away well the last furlong.

"I think when she got the rail it gave her a little bit of confidence to run towards, she wasn't doing loads in front. She's got a fantastic cruising speed and, hopefully, back up in grade that will be seen to better effect."

Air Force lands Listed prize

Air Force One (17/2) continued his good run of form when successfully stepping up in grade for the Listed BetMGM Rous Stakes.

Geoff Oldroyd's charge ended a frustrating run with victory at York in August and after returning to the Knavesmire to finish sixth, Air Force One won the Portland Handicap at Doncaster's St Leger Festival under Clifford Lee.

With PJ McDonald back in the saddle, Air Force One picked up well to deny the veteran Group 1 winner Regional by a short-head with 11/4 favourite Tuco Salamanca a length back in third.

McDonald told ITV Racing: "He's a horse that's really turned the corner this year and I think credit goes to the girls here at his head [leading Air Force One in] and to Geoff because he's an old sprinter and they've just kept him right.

"They don't do much with him, keep him happy. He lets them know when he's happy, he lets them know when he's not happy. Me and Charlie [Bond, owner] were a little bit worried about the draw beforehand but I got a lovely spot, travelled so well and, to be fair, I kind of knew this track would suit him. He stays the five really, really well and it was just what we needed."

It was the perfect start to a big weekend for Bond who will head to ParisLongchamp on Sunday to watch Marvelman in the Qatar Prix de le Foret.

"Geoff has done a fantastic job," Bond said of Air Force One. "He's improved all year to win two huge handicaps and it was worth a shot at a listed race, really good.

"Marvelman, I just hope he runs his York race rather than his Haydock race. I think the ground will be perfect for him but it's one of the toughest Group 1s."

Al Aasy eases home

Al Aasy (7/1) came from last to first to claim a fourteenth career success and a ninth at Group 3 level in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes.

The nine-year-old was the William Haggas second string with stablemate Tenability sent off the 6/5 favourite and Harry Davies set out to make all on the latter.

He was never allowed an easy time up front though with By The Book on his quarters throughout and it was soon clear in the straight that the closers held the upper hand.

Royal Playwright and Al Aasy came through with their challenges but the eye was always drawn to Al Aasy who prevailed by a neck despite carrying a 5 lb penalty.

Tenability, the winner of two listed races this season, finished third, beaten a length and a quarter, for the third time in Group 3 company.

Danny Tudhope said of the winner on ITV Racing: "He's a pleasure to ride. He's nine-years-old now and he's still performing at this level. William and the team have done a great job with him over the years and he's doing it, he feels great.

"He's always been a good, strong traveller. They went a nice, even tempo the whole way round and I was happy. The small field probably helped me. He travelled into it nice and knows how to win."

Force is strong in Bengough

Hidden Force (6/1) took his form to a new level in the Group 3 John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes as he stayed on best for a three-quarter length win under Billy Loughnane.

It was just the fourth career start for the son of Frankel who was last seen finishing third in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket in April, but he showed no signs of rustiness following wind surgery.

After travelling well on the outside of the pack Charlie Appleby's horse thundered to the front to see off Prince Of India (3/1) who made his challenge squeezing up a gap on the rail.

Stratusnine (9/1) was third.

Loughnane told ITV Racing: "He's not bred for it [six furlongs] but he had no trouble with it.

"He's travelled very easily in his races over a mile and seven and he doesn't lack gears. It was more of a comeback run, let him enjoy it early, and his work had been very good at home and I expected him to go very close.

"He had no problem with six today; I do feel he would be better going back up in trip at some stage but he's a horse who has got a lot of ability and it was just nice to see him getting back on the right track today. He's had a long time off and I was coming here planning to ride him quietly and my biggest worry was getting caught up on the fence so when the opportunity to come off it I did and he showed a nice turn of foot late on."

Channon rises to the Challenge

Mezcala (5/1), trained by Jack Channon, claimed a second valuable Ascot prize of the season when edging out Moonfall and the treble seeking Loughnane in a thrilling finish to the BetMGM Challenge Cup.

Mezcala won the Buckingham Palace Stakes under Tom Marquand at Royal Ascot in June but had failed to trouble the judge in two subsequent starts under regular rider George Bass. However, returning to the scene of his finest hour so Mezcala return to form and he had to be game as he and Moonfall pulled clear of Realign in third and Pellitory in fourth.

Moonfall was also a winner at Royal Ascot having claimed the Britannia Stakes over a mile but on this occasion the 7/2 favourite fell just short, finishing a head down at the line.

Bass told ITV Racing: "I was never in too much doubt but they took a while to call the photo so it got me thinking!

"With the stalls being on the near side rail it was always going to get quite congested on the rail. I was just lucky my fellow travelled so smoothly and I was able to take the gaps when I needed to. He stays this seven furlongs here well and he hit the line strong.

"I've had a fair few goes on this fellow now and thankfully it's come right again. Very grateful to his owners, and also the boss, in keeping the faith and keeping me on him."

Loughnane, though, would not be denied, completing his treble in the closing Ascot Iron Stand Membership Handicap when partnering Gold Star Hero (7/2) to victory for trainer Michael Bell.

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