7.35 Sandown - Matchbook Brigadier Gerard Stakes results
1st Autocratic (8/1)
2nd Algometer
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Race report
Autocratic produced a career-best effort to win the Matchbook Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown for Ryan Moore and Sir Michael Stoute.
The Cheveley Park Stud-owned colt finished last season winning a handicap at York, but was stepped up to Group Three level for his reappearance in the Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket last month.
That did not go to plan, with the track not looking to his liking, but Stoute had clearly not lost faith in the Dubawi four-year-old and that was rewarded as he stayed on strongly once Moore had found a clear passage just over a furlong out.
Algometer flashed home for the runner-up spot, a length and a quarter behind the 8/1 winner, with favourite Steel Of Madrid - who had Autocratic back in sixth at Newmarket - in third.
The race had lost much of its lustre when top-class filly So Mi Dar was declared a non-runner earlier in the day.
Reaction
Cheveley Stud's racing manager Chris Richardson, who was not at the track, said: "He won very well. He is an impressive looking horse and we have always had confidence in him, especially Sir Michael Stoute.
"Things just didn't go his way last term, but tonight looked an impressive performance and it was a great ride by Ryan Moore. He is a big, burly horse so he would have needed his first run. To be honest, I would have been happy if he had finished in the first three.
"As a yearling he dislocated his shoulder, as normally we offer all our colts at the sales. He came back and spent time out recovering from the injury. It is great to see a performance like that and it makes him rather exciting now."
Looking to the future, he said: "I don't think we will step him up in trip as that (10 furlongs) looks an ideal trip at the moment and we will just see how he progresses through time.
"We were taking it step by step after he disappointed last time. His plans need to be reviewed now and obviously I need to speak to Sir Michael Stoute, as he could not be there this evening either."
Algometer's trainer David Simcock said: "I am delighted with him. It was a good way to start the season.
"I would like to think he will come on for that over a mile and a half on juicier ground, as we know he acts well with cut in the ground."
