Mehmas moves to head of Coventry market Mehmas kept his unbeaten record intact with a most impressive victory in the Olympic Glory Conditions Stakes at Newbury. A field of eight juveniles went to post for the opening contest of the afternoon on Lockinge day, seven of whom were previous winners. That number was soon reduced by one as Bath scorer Berkshire Boy veered sharply as the gates opened and unshipped Oisin Murphy. Runaway Newmarket scorer Global Applause was the 4-6 favourite and moved up to deliver his challenge on the far side of the track under Ryan Moore. However, Richard Hannon's 3-1 shot Mehmas - a winner at Chester nine days earlier - travelled even more powerfully in the hands of Frankie Dettori and showed off a thrilling turn of foot to beat the market leader by three and a quarter lengths. Hannon said: "Luckily Sheikh Joaan (owner) bought one at the breeze-ups. "He was very impressive today. If ours win first time out, generally they're pretty good as they improve quite a bit for the run. "I'd say he goes for the Coventry (at Royal Ascot) now. "I was really impressed with the way he travelled and I've only done a couple of bits of work with him." Discussing his two-year-old pecking order, the trainer added; "I'd say he's at the top of it right now. "He's a nice-moving horse and he's got a lovely attitude. He's got the lot and he's gone clear of a good field." Paddy Power inserted Mehmas as the 3-1 favourite for the Coventry on June 14.
