Stars bounces back in King Edward VII Across The Stars bounced back from a disappointing run in the Derby to win the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. Having finished only 10th at Epsom behind Harzand, he perhaps did not have as hard a race as some there as once his chance had gone, he was allowed to coast home. Frankie Dettori was booked by Sir Michael Stoute for the colt and had him in the perfect position, just behind Ryan Moore who tried to make all on Beacon Rock. Across The Stars was keen enough in the early stages, but Dettori, riding full of confidence, has few peers in getting them to settle. His mount had to be brave to get through a gap between Beacon Rock and Choreographer and while he took a narrow lead, Beacon Rock would not give in lightly. Stoute, who has an excellent record in the race, will have liked the way his charge stuck to his task and the 7-1 winner kept the Ballydoyle runner at bay by a length and a quarter. John Gosden's Muntahaa made eyecatching late gains from the rear to claim third. Dettori said: "To win the 'Ascot Derby' is great. (Sir) Michael has been hitting the crossbar and I'm pleased to get him a winner. "He's a master trainer and he had this horse well prepared for today. "He didn't come down the hill at Epsom, (but) he handled this track really well and we won." Stoute said: "He can be a little impetuous, but he's growing up. He's a big horse with a lot of developing to do, physically and mentally. "We've always liked him and I liked the way he battled. He's a good-actioned horse and a good athlete and he'll get stronger. "We paid a lot of money for him and he's justified it now. "He's run to a pretty good standard today. I would doubt he'll stay the St Leger trip - I would say that is highly unlikely. We'll stop and think (about plans). There's no hurry." Stoute was recording his 74th success at Royal Ascot, just one behind the late Sir Henry Cecil. He added: "I'm not consciously (chasing Cecil's record). He was a great character and a very gifted racehorse trainer. Thank god he had Frankel in those closing stages when he was putting up such a fight." Of the decision to run Across The Stars in the Derby, Stoute said: "We've always thought a lot of him. The owner wanted to go for the Derby - he'd won a Derby before (with Kris Kin). "I didn't think Epsom would suit him and it didn't. He didn't come down the hill and Kieren (Fallon) looked after him. This track suited him a lot better." Aidan O'Brien said: "Both horses (Beacon Rock and Housesofparliament, fourth) ran very well, but both would appreciate better ground. "I leave it to Ryan Moore to decide (tactics). He said Beacon Rock would prefer better ground. They could both be types for the St Leger." Gosden said of Muntahaa: "He ran well and was best of those closing at the finish. "Ryan Moore controlled the pace in front and they didn't really get racing until the last four furlongs. "I would imagine he'll be a St Leger type, but he's come a long way in a short space of time."
