Command so good in the Coventry Aidan O'Brien's apparent third string War Command turned in a breathtaking display under Seamie Heffernan to take top honours in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Ballydoyle handler was responsible for 5/2 favourite Stubbs, as well as leading contender Sir John Hawkins (6/1), with War Command a 20/1 shot after making a winning debut at Leopardstown just 11 days earlier. Stubbs ranged up on the outside in the hands of the trainer's son Joseph a furlong down, with Sir John Hawkins and Ryan Moore also in there pitching, but neither had any answer to War Command's stunning finishing effort. The American-bred juvenile passed the post six lengths clear of the eyecatching Parbold, who made good ground in the final furlong having encountered traffic problems. Sir John Hawkins picked up minor money in third, with Stubbs eventually weakening into sixth position. Heffernan said: "I've probably ridden all of Aidan's Coventry winners at home, but none of them on the track. It's my first ride in the race. "It was nice to ride one that has won as easy as that. He relaxed and quickened. He's all right, this one." Sky Bet inserted him at 8/1 for the 2000 Guineas immediately after the race such was the impression he made on the bookmakers.
