Alanza wins at Donny for Oxx & Murtagh

Alanza (who began her racing with a Listowel maiden win a year ago) won the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster for John Oxx and Johnny Murtagh.

The daughter of Dubai Destination has been on an upward curve of late and was always travelling strongly in the Group Three contest.

She still had work to do when 5-2 favourite Chachamaidee hit the front over a furlong out but finished strongly to reel-in that rival and fend off the thrust of Dever Dream (13-2) by a neck.

The market leader was only a head away in third.

Murtagh said: "I had to drop her in - they didn't go very fast. She was never going to get beat, she was always going to get there and was very willing.

"I think she can step up again, she's just getting the hang of things now, she's only had a few races. Hopefully if she can hang about for next year she'll be a Group One filly in the making."

Talking about the filly's strong finish Murtagh continued: "You have to ride them the way they have to be ridden, you can't just change the way you ride them, they have to be ridden to their strengths."

Oxx's assistant Jimmy O'Neill added: "We have not had many horses to bring over this year as we are lacking a bit of class.

"She is really a miler but we had to bring her here and drop back to the seven furlongs as there are not many options for her.

"The race didn't suit her as there was no pace and she has to be held up but we have learned a lot about her today and she is settling better.

"I would say that will probably be it for the year as she is very, very ground dependent and she will stay in training next year."

Dever Dream won the contest last year but had to settle for second this time around and Maureen Haggas, representing her husband trainer William Haggas, said: "She has run another great race and I am thrilled. She is really tough.

"It would be great if we were able to get her head in front in a Group race. She has won twice at Listed level but just keeps on getting touched off in Group company.

"We will keep trying with her. She is still in great form, so I would think we will keep running her. I am sure William will have a look at the programme and find something for her."