Gold mounts Melbourne Cup bid

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Last Updated: 15/06/19 4:04pm

Gold Mount ridden by Andrea Atzeni wins the Sky Bet Race to the Ebor Grand Cup Gold Mount ridden by Andrea Atzeni wins the Sky Bet Race to the Ebor Grand Cup

Gold Mount ridden by Andrea Atzeni wins the Sky Bet Race to the Ebor Grand Cup

Gold Mount, who won at Royal Ascot as Primitivo in 2016, made a winning start for Ian Williams in the Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Grand Cup at York.

Trained by Alan King before heading out to the riches of Hong Kong, where he was renamed, the six-year-old has the Melbourne Cup as a long-term aim.

Having competed with credit at the highest level in the Far East for Tony Cruz, he slightly lost his way for Richard Gibson, who advised sending him to his good friend Williams after a fourth-placed finish in the Dubai Gold Cup behind Cross Counter.

Dropped out into the rear by Andrea Atzeni as the favourite Mekong put the pace to the race, the winner moved up to challenge stylishly.

As Mekong and Austrian School dropped away, it was between Raheen House, having his first start for William Haggas, and Gold Mount, who powered away to win by two and a quarter lengths at 16-1.

The race guaranteed him a spot in the Ebor, for which the sponsors quoted him at 14-1 – but Williams sounded lukewarm.

“He came from my very good friend Richard Gibson and after he ran so well in Hong Kong, they (owners) decided they’d like to aim at the Melbourne Cup,” said Williams.

“This was the start of his journey there and he couldn’t have done any more. He’s beat a fairly decent field very well and I’m delighted with his performance.

“He’s enjoyed that ground so we’ll have to be careful where we send him from here on in, but he’s tough – not big, but hardy.

“He’s performed well at Group One level over 10 furlongs in Hong Kong so as a stayer we don’t know what he can do.

“In terms of the Ebor I think the handicapper will give him plenty of weight. He’s a small horse, a big weight in a top handicap might be tough for him.

“He’s been sent to me to be prepared for the Melbourne Cup, so we’ll work back from there.”

Bartley has champagne sparkle

Carol Bartley landed the Queen Mother’s Cup at York for the second time as Arctic Fox continued her progression.

Winner of her last two outings for Richard Fahey, the three-year-old was taking on her elders in the race for lady riders.

Traditionally the winning jockey gets their weight in champagne as a prize – meaning it can be the only occasion when a rider wants to see the needle move rapidly to the right when they jump on the scales.

Bartley first tasted success on Jim Goldie’s Nanton in 2013, and showed all her experience in the home straight.

On hitting the front, Arctic Fox (5-1) began to drift to his right, but instead of fighting her, as they were in the clear Bartley let her mount find her own way and with a rail to run against she kept on well.

Ruth Carr’s Mutamaded ran on to be second under Emily Bullock, with Where’s Jeff and Serena Brotherton third.

Bartley said: “I must have had over 20 rides in this race now and I’ve won it twice – to win it once was amazing, but to win it twice is unreal.

“We might have a party tonight, but it’s a four-hour drive up to Scotland first – if the car makes it with all the champagne!”

Fahey added: “The filly is improving and it’s the right time of the year for three-year-olds to be taking on the older horses.

“It’s nice for Sir Robert (Ogden, owner) and great for Carol – it’s good for everyone.

“She might be one for the Mallard, if she gets in, as the step up in trip has improved her.”

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