FRENCH raider Manduro has a number of big-race options open to him after powering to success in the Prince Of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Third behind Ouija Board 12 months ago, the Andre Fabre-trained five-year-old made no mistake this year as he held off Aidan O'Brien's Dylan Thomas by a length and a quarter.
Sent off the 15-8 favourite, he was never far from the front under Step
hane Pasquier and quickened up like a top-class animal. Notnowcato finished third. Last year's Derby winner Sir Percy cut out the running but was swamped as soon as the runners turned into the straight.
Notnowcato briefly hit the front, although Dylan Thomas and Manduro had still to play their cards. Once that pair were asked to quicken it was Manduro who found the greater turn of foot and they pulled clear of Notnowcato in the final furlong.
VC Bet was quick to give the winner a 6-1 quote for the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes back at Ascot on 28 July and also go 8-1 about his chance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Fabre said: "He got boxed in last year and is a horse who needs space. I don't want to blame jockeys before, but Stephane had a clear run this time. He's a top-class miler and pace is not a problem for him. I was a little worried with the distance last year, but I'm convinced he'll get a mile and a half. He's entered in King George and the Arc is the obvious target."
Winning owner Baron Georg Von Ullmann said: "It is amazing, we've been here a few times, but a winner had never come our way. Pasquier fits the horse very well and they are a marriage made in heaven."
Pasquier has now ridden Manduro on four occasions and the combination are unbeaten. The jockey said: "He's improving every time he runs. He was relaxed just behind the leaders and I came early with Dylan Thomas. He finished well. I had a lot of confidence in my horse because I ride him every time and I know everything he can do."
O'Brien said of Dylan Thomas: "We are delighted - he's run really well. We've no excuses with the ground as it was right for him. There's nothing planned at the moment."
Sir Michael Stoute also felt third-placed Notnowcato lost nothing in defeat. He said: "He's run a great race but we could've done with a little more juice in the ground."
Brian Meehan was slightly downcast after Red Rocks finished fourth in the hands of Frankie Dettori. Meehan said: "I was a little disappointed but Frankie said the pace was sloppy, which did not suit.
"He will probably go for the Eclipse now, then possibly York and then the Breeders' Cup."
