Jersey Stakes (Group 3)

THE Jersey Stakes was run at what appeared a furious gallop given the conditions, and the race fell to 11/2 fourth favourite Molatham (Roger Varian/Jim Crowley) in a tight finish with Monarch Of Egypt (Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore), the latter’s tendency to drift right after hitting the front possibly costing him the race. However Molatham deserves credit for rallying gamely when headed and there was a neck between the pair in the end, with a sizeable gap back to third-placed Symbolize (Andrew Balding/David Probert).

Both the winner and runner-up came from off the pace, Monarch Of Egypt markedly so, having had to be pushed along merely to keep tabs on the others at halfway. He made a big move from last to first in a couple of furlongs, and perhaps ended up making that effort too soon, for all his jockey cannot be apportioned any blame for that fact.

Molatham had looked a smart performer in the making when beating 2000 Guineas runner-up Wichita in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting, and while he disappointed in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket subsequently, that clearly wasn’t his running.

That Newmarket effort did raise a question as to whether he could handle the ground, but as his jockey opined afterwards, it was more likely inexperience which cost him there, and the runner-up had also run unaccountably poorly at that track (as had first race winner Highland Chief), showing that the Rowley Mile and Ascot are very much chalk and cheese despite their shared royal heritage.

Fine performance

Monarch Of Egypt came here after a luckless run in the Irish 2000 Guineas behind Siskin, when he was arguably the worst sufferer in the scrimmaging which marred that contest. He was backing up pretty quickly, but produced a fine performance, and challenging furthest from the stands was necessary given the chances of getting a clear run through the pack were slim. He is clearly top class, and will surely gain compensation before long.

Roger Varian had concerns when the rain fell, but none about his colt’s attitude, as he explained: “He’s always had an attitude and temperament to die for. To see him fight back and tough it out on the track shows he’s a fighter. He doesn’t lack for pace, he travelled beautifully into it. He’s got plenty of gears and looks like he’ll stretch out to a mile, so he has lots of options.”

Wolferton Stakes (Listed)

THE third day of Royal Ascot saw more than half an inch fall prior to racing, changing the ground to soft, and that was no problem for Roger Varian’s Mountain Angel, who took advantage of a seam on the inside rail in the straight to run out a comfortable winner of the Listed Wolferton Stakes, giving James Doyle his third winner of the meeting after Tactical and Lord North the previous day.

Race favourite Sir Dragonet (Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore) got into top gear far too late, but grabbed second from Regal Reality (Sir Michael Stoute/Jim Crowley) towards the finish, beaten just over two lengths by the winner.

Mountain Angel was quite well supported, and returned the 8/1 fourth choice in a field of 13.

He was fifth in the Wolferton last year behind Addeybb, Magic Wand and Elarqam, and he showed himself an improved performer when runner-up in the Prix Dollar at Longchamp in the autumn. This listed race has been punching above its weight since being upgraded from a handicap in 2018, and won’t be long gaining Group 3 status based on the results last year and this.

“He doesn’t need over-racing, and I think we’ll bide our time with him,” said Varian of his six-year-old. “He ran well in group races in France last autumn, and I think it’ll be a similar campaign. When he gets his conditions he’s up to winning good races.”