ZAAKI and Ryan Moore landed the opening Strensall Stakes (one-mile, one-furlong) for trainer Sir Michael Stoute at York. John Gosden’s hot favourite Wissahickon disappointed on his first start since Good Friday, but the winner has been running consistently all year, with his only blip coming when badly drawn over a trip too short in the Lennox Stakes – described as “just a disaster” by the jockey in his post-race interview.

His neck defeat of Bangkok (Andrew Balding/James Doyle) gave him a second Group 3 win, having also landed the Diomed Stakes at Epsom in June.

Space Traveller (Richard Fahey/Danny Tudhope) also disappointed in the Lennox after winning the Jersey Stakes, but was back on track, less than a length behind the winner in third.

The winner is typical of his trainer in that he showed plenty without being overfaced as a three-year-old, and with the help of wind surgery before his return, has delivered on that promise, and appeals as capable of better again at 10 furlongs next year, likely to be a stronger horse for another winter on his back.

Bangkok deserves credit for going so close down in trip, and it’s clear that he relishes fast ground having run below form in the York Stakes over the extended 10 furlongs here on his previous start when the ground was soft. Given he was runner-up to Japan in the King Edward VII Stakes, there can be no doubt about his stamina for that trip, and he still has potential.

His failings have come with a tendency to race too freely, ruining his chance in the Derby by doing so, but he settled beautifully here, and that augurs well for his future prospects.

Alley overcomes odds to win Roses

THE Listed Julia Graves Roses Stakes went to the previously unlucky Alligator Alley (Joseph/Donnacha O’Brien) who was stopped in his tracks when runner-up in the Molecomb at Goodwood and looked like he was cursed when badly hampered shortly after the start here. However, he produced a remarkable surge to get to the front from a most unpromising position and deserves his place back in stronger company, even if the bare form is nothing out of the ordinary.