Orange lands Princess of Wales's Kiwi-born James McDonald excelled on Michael Bell's Big Orange as he made all the running for the second successive year in the Princess of Wales's Arqana Racing Club Stakes at Newmarket. McDonald, who is one of Godolphin's retained riders in Australia, had shone when coming from off the pace on Antiquarium in the Northumberland Plate and was allowed to set his own fractions on this occasion. With last year's winning rider Jamie Spencer on the favourite The Grey Gatsby it was somewhat surprising the winner was technically ignored up front this time, and he gradually quickened the pace three furlongs out. The field had raced in Indian file with The Grey Gatsby looking content at the rear, stepping up in trip, and he smoothly began to make progress. Once Spencer moved alongside Ryan Moore on Exosphere the pair probably expected Big Orange to capitulate in front, but the impressive McDonald had saved something. The 8-1 chance, who had been aimed at the Ascot Gold Cup before the ground turned soft, kicked on again to beat The Grey Gatsby by two and a half lengths. McDonald said: "He was pretty happy out there and he gave me a beautiful ride. He's an absolute gentleman and a pleasure to ride. "He wasn't the best to begin in the stalls as he's so big, but he was a gentleman on the course and that's where it matters."
