WILLIE Mullins knows exactly what it takes to win multi-runner staying handicaps in Britain and he landed the inaugural JLT Cup at Newbury over two miles plus with 11/4 favourite Stratum.

The winner had finished third behind stable-companion Lagostovegas in the Ascot Stakes, a race Mullins dominated with four of the first five home.

Improving steadily from mid-division last week, Stratum was in front before the furlong pole and strode out well for Robert Winston to score by three lengths from Kloud Gate, with Coeur De Lion and Golden Wolf taking the minor honours.

Winning owner Tony Bloom clearly has great faith in Winston, who recently won the Northumberland Plate for him on Withhold.

“He had a hood and a grackle bit on today,” the jockey said. “He was suited by the much faster pace and it was just a question of waiting for the gaps to come. We may not have seen the best of him yet and I think the Ebor is a possible target.”

That would certainly suit Brighton FC chairman Bloom and Paddy Power promoted the five-year-old to 5/1 favouritism from 10/1 for the big York handicap.

EMOTIONLESS RETURNS

There was a time, early in his juvenile career, when Emotionless looked a possible classic prospect for Godolphin. Then he ran poorly in the Dewhurst, failed to pick up at three and spent most of the last two winters at Meydan, but without success.

However, Charlie Appleby has shown often enough that he can bring horses back and Emotionless (11/4 favourite) overcame a long absence to make all for William Buick in the Listed Steventon Stakes over 10 furlongs, passing the post two lengths ahead of Desert Encounter.

Appleby has mentioned that Australia might suit Emotionless one day.