Blue Bolt dazzles as Balding lands Duke of Cambridge

Blue Bolt cruised to victory and earned Andrew Balding his first success in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The 5-2 favourite was a picture of calmness as Amo Racing duo Carolina Jetstream and Cathedral and Shes Perfect battled for the early lead.

Blue Bolt remained in midfield but just as the pace dropped at the two-furlong pole, the Blue Point filly eased into contention, with jockey Colin Keane still unmoved.

Keane pushed Blue Bolt on to burst clear and seal a comfortable length-and-three-quarter win for the Kingclere handler, with Jancis and the fast-finishing and slightly unfortunate Friendly Soul taking minor honours.

Group One Ambitions Rekindled After Royal Breakthrough

“This has been the plan since she ran so well in the Sun Chariot at the end of last year,” said Balding.

“Baring her first start at Southwell where I don’t know what happened there, she has never run a bad race and we’ve had this in our minds for a good while. It’s lovely when a plan comes together.

“We’ve got to have another go for a Group One now and she’s been placed in one, but deserves more cracks to try to win one at that level.

“She’s a star and is relaxing much better this year which is really helpful.

“Colin Keane has given her an amazing ride there because it was not an easy draw but he was decisive and got a position and that really helped her win her race. It was a super job and I was always confident she would keep going.

“The Falmouth could be a good fit for her if she comes out of this well. She might get an entry in the Nassau but it would be nice to get a Group One won and we know she stays the mile well so she will stay at a mile for the time being.”

Classic Fillies Set For Top-Level Rematch

Willie McCreery said of Jancis: “To give that filly 3lb is a big ask and I don’t think a filly giving weight has won here in a long while.

“Arturo (Cousino, owner) wanted to have runner here, it’s his dream and she’s done him proud, hasn’t she?

“She loves the ground, absolutely loves it, and they can’t go fast enough for her.

“She keeps galloping to the end, a good filly beat us but we’ll take her on again.

“The Falmouth will be the plan it’ll be all Group Ones from here on in.”

Messy Start Costs Strongly Finishing Challenger

Oisin Murphy was last to rue what might have been for Friendly Soul and said:

“It was a very messy race. I got knocked over at the start.

“I was too far back, I think she probably should have won.”

Co-trainer John Gosden added: “She was squeezed out at the start meaning we were at the back but she got a great run up the rail in which she couldn’t get through. Then she got through late. I am very very happy with her and she finished like a train.”