Grey best in Molecomb

Havana Grey claimed his fourth victory from just six starts with a determined front-running performance in the Bombay Sapphire Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood.

The Group Three contest lost some of its lustre following the withdrawal of American challenger Happy Like A Fool, but a competitive field of 10 juveniles did go to post.

The Karl Burke-trained Havana Grey, winner of both the National Stakes and the Dragon Stakes at Sandown this season, was a 7-2 chance in the hands of PJ McDonald.

A smart start enabled the youngster to bag the rail and he galloped on resolutely to score by a length and three-quarters from 5-2 favourite Invincible Army. To Wafij was just a nose away in third.

McDonald, riding his first winner at Goodwood, said: "I've always felt he was a very good horse.

"He disappointed us at Royal Ascot for some reason. I think it's because I took him back and he just likes to bowl along and get on with it.

"He has a great attitude. In the last furlong he really dug deep for me. He's an absolute star.

"I think he can keep progressing through the year and the way he's won on that ground today, he'll have absolutely no problem stepping up to six furlongs."

Havana Grey looks likely to join stablemate Unfortunately, winner of the Prix Robert Papin, in the Prix Morny at Deauville.

Burke said: "He's a very good horse. We were very concerned about the ground. I walked it at 8am this morning and it was beautiful ground and I couldn't believe how quick it was, but there is a nice strip on that rail and I was adamant we should get on that.

"He was a little bit tardy away and he didn't show his usual dash, or maybe they took him on, but once he got out and in a rhythm he is so game and honest and has a lot of ability as well.

"I'd say on that display he'll definitely get further. The owners are very keen to try the Prix Morny and that's where we'll go next, along with Unfortunately.

"Unfortunately we have to run the pair together, so to speak, but both horses deserve to go for a Group One and that seems the obvious choice for him."

Trainer James Tate said of Invincible Army: "He ran well. I felt the draw put us at a disadvantage with the winner. We were racing on the other side and I feel the better ground is on the stands side.

"Ideally he doesn't want soft ground and neither does the winner. Five or six furlongs on a quicker surface would be better."

Roger Varian, trainer of To Wafij, said: "He ran a good race but it might have been a bit too soft for him. He would be better suited to a stiff five or an easy six. He is in the Gimcrack at York and might go there next."