Russian Emperor (10/3) swooped late to deny The Queen a winner on day two of Royal Ascot in the Hampton Court Stakes.
Ryan Moore was riding his 60th winner at the great meeting and produced his mount with a sustained charge down the centre of the track to reel-in Frankie Dettori in the royal colours aboard First Receiver, who had finally got the better of a prolonged duel with Berlin Tango inside the final furlong.
However just as those who backed the 9/4 favourite started to celebrate, he was cut down by the Aidan O'Brien trained winner who was well on top at the line, winning by half-a-length.
Betfair and Paddy Power cut Russian Emperor to 12/1 from 40/1 for the Investec Derby and introduced First Receiver at 16/1 for the Classic. Sky Bet are 10/1 about the winner for Epsom and 4/1 from 10/1 for the Irish Derby.
Moore said: “He’s a really nice colt and has a lovely attitude. His dam (Atlantic Jewel) was very good – she was a champion in Australia.
“He won his maiden at Naas, and the last day at Leopardstown the ground was very quick and it was hard to make up ground.
“He was very professional today. I think 10 furlongs is fine, but he may get a little bit further – he’d give himself every chance to stay. I think he’ll be a nice horse going forward for the rest of the year.”
Dettori said of the Sir Michael Stoute-trained First Receiver: “He ran a bit fresh, but he ran a super race.”
Andrew Balding said of third home Berlin Tango: “He ran very well with a penalty. It was an excellent run from three good horses. He will go to the Dante next. A mile and a quarter is his trip.”
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