DAVID Elsworth’s Sir Dancealot, who seems to contest a high-class event every couple of weeks, put his head in front right on the line to claim the Group 2 Qatar Lennox Stakes over seven furlongs.

Denied a run early on in the straight, he finally came on the outside to get up on the nod after Suedois, ever the blushing bridesmaid, looked to have gained the day by wearing down last year’s winner, the gallant Breton Rock.

Andrew Balding’s 33/1 chance Donjuan Triumphant belied those odds by leading early and keeping on in determined style when Breton Rock, responding to pressure as always, finally headed him on the far rails and went on.

Suedois, arriving between horses, worried him out of it in the dying strides, only for Sir Dancealot and Gerald Mosse to challenge last of all and get up in a pulsating finish.

This was Mosse’s first winner at this meeting and he was relieved after finding himself trapped on the far rails at one stage.

“I hit the line on the right stride and, although it was tight, I felt I had got there,” the Frenchman said. “I really trust Sir Dancealot and wanted to ride him confidently. I can count on him and for me he is a Group 1 horse, no question. He is a magnificent animal and a dream to be on board.”

Elsworth’s response was of the earthier variety.

“He got into more trouble than I get into down the pub on a Saturday night after I’ve had a few but Sir Dancealot (5/1 joint-favourite) would have been a very unlucky loser,” he said. “He’s been gelded now and it may have helped. We had a crack at a Group 1 with him the other day and there are lots of races open to him. I put him in the Hungerford Stakes today.”

David O’Meara’s Suedois ran another fine race after his third at Ascot recently. He comes good at this time of year but has had two hard races in succession. He has the speed to win at seven furlongs and returning to that trip from six certainly helped the winner.