bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes
Race Result
1st Ulysses 3/1
2nd Deauville 9/2
3rd My Dream Boat 11/4 Fav
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Race Report
Ulysses looks destined for even bigger targets after running out an authoritative winner of the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown on Friday.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old travelled beautifully under Andrea Atzeni and appeared to be full of running passing the two-furlong pole.
Last year’s Dante second and Belmont Derby winner, the front-running Deauville, made a fight of it under Ryan Moore but was eventually gunned down by the 3/1 shot who quickened impressively to go on to score by a length.
11/4 favourite My Dream Boat ran on late to claim third under Adam Kirby with John Gosden’s Royal Artillery back in fourth.
Reaction
Andrea Atzeni: "He travelled nicely and settled which was the most important thing.
"The ground is pretty slow out there, but he wouldn't want it any slower than that. He picked up well when I wanted him to.
"He's a different horse this year, much stronger and mentally more mature, he's a horse with a bright future. I'd say 10 furlongs is his trip, but he hit the line quite strong."
Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners: "He did that very smoothly and he picked up gently to do it well.
"The thought at the moment is to stay at 10 furlongs rather than 12 and that is why he has entries in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
"We'll see what Sir Michael would like to do, as he is the boss. The ground was a little bit slower than ideal, but he handled it well.
"Let's get through May and June and then think about July (Eclipse), but he's a course and distance winner so why not think about it?"
