Masterpiece Swoops For Sussex Spoils

Court Masterpiece came fast and late to claim the Cantor Spreadfair Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Jimmy Fortune brought the Ed Dunlop-trained six-year-old with a dash through on the far rails to lead inside the final furlong.

The 15-2 shot ran on strongly to win from Soviet Song, with Rob Roy staying on well for third.

Frankie Dettori took Echo Of Light straight to the front but Godolphin's supplementary entry was headed two furlongs out by Araafa.

The latter, sent off the 11-10 favourite, could not maintain his challenge, however, as Court Masterpiece made his move.

Soviet Song, the winner in 2004 and second 12 months ago, put up a brave effort but was two lengths down at the line.

Rob Roy was half a length away in third.

Dunlop told BBC Sport: 'He's very good round here and he's won like a very good horse ? I'm really pleased for him.

'I think the key is that he can quicken so well and, off a decent pace, he quickened when a gap came nicely for him.

'He kept on well so the myth about him not staying a mile has gone forever.

'We presumed the front two would go off fast and I said to Jimmy just to sit in behind and he's picked up well.

'I'm delighted for the horse and I hope he will go and make a stallion some day now.

'I'd like to take him to America really but I don't know what we'll do ? we'll take him home and have a think.

'I've always thought he would be pretty good over six furlongs on soft ground but we'll have a think and today has been a great day.'

'They went off a bit quick and it played into my horse's hands,' added Fortune.

'He has seen it out very well. He's quickened up like a top-class horse and he's galloped right to the line.'

Soviet Song's trainer James Fanshawe was happy the mare returned to something like her best form following a disappointing run in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

He said: 'Maybe she got a bit jarred up at Ascot because none of my horses who ran well at Ascot ran well at Newmarket but she is coming back to her best.

'I'd love to run her in the Matron Stakes again and she was entered in the Sun Chariot this morning.

'She's still enjoying it and that's the main thing.

Sir Michael Stoute, responsible for Rob Roy, said: 'I was very pleased with that and it proved his Lockinge run was not his best form.

'I might think about a step up in trip but I'm not sure yet.'