Victoria Cup report and replay: Rebel Territory runs away with prize

Succesful on his reappearance at Newmarket, Amanda Perrett's charge was always towards the fore in the group racing down the far side but drifted towards the centre as he came off the bridle - and went to the front - passing the two-furlong marker.

Jim Crowley's mount was never in danger of defeat though, hitting the line hard and four lengths clear of Biggles.

Last year's winner Vafortino (11/1) ran on for third ahead of Spycatcher (11/1) and Safe Voyage (14/1) but nothing was going to land a blow to Rebel Territory from some way out.

"He's won well, probably too well, but I think he goes on the ground whereas a lot of them don't which has made him look quite impressive," the winning rider told ITV Racing.

"He's a smashing horse and Amanda dropped him back to seven on his first run at Newmarket then this was the obvious race for him. Its nice when things like this come to fruition. The owners have been with Amanda for a long time and it's lovely for them to have a nice big winner like this."

Perrett also believes the drop back to seven furlongs has been key to her charge’s early-season success, adding: “He had conditions very much in his favour and he was lucky he got such a good lead. But he still had to do it on his own down the middle of the track and we are absolutely delighted. The key has been the drop back to seven furlongs on that ground. In the summer months we might go back up to a mile, but it opens up so many options. He’s versatile and is settling and relaxing and enjoying his racing.

“They didn’t really quicken on and just plugged on and he enjoys those conditions because he can handle them and not many horses can.

"We’ll have to wait and see what the handicapper does, he could go back to Royal Ascot and run in the Buckingham Palace and there’s plenty of other nice races coming up. We might even take him to France if it gets quick. I think we’re going to be guided by what happens next Tuesday."

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