NORFOLK STAKES

(Group 2)

NOT many Ballydoyle horses ridden by Ryan Moore start at 14/1 but that was the way of it with Sioux Nation in the Norfolk Stakes.

Lining up against several juveniles with impressive recent winning form, his disappointing effort last time seemed to indicate a major task but he looked a different horse here, bursting through towards the far side to score by half a length from Santry, who was clearly best of those on the other flank. The tough youngster Cardsharp finished third.

There was much speculation about the effect of the draw, with the stands’ side seemingly favoured over the first two days.

However, these things can change and Moore, who managed to get cover, even with only three for company, was never entirely convinced by the theory anyway.

Sioux Nation is an American-bred by Scat Daddy and is clearly very fast indeed. Whether he will stay much further than the minimum trip must be open to question but connections will not mind that after this blistering display.

“Ryan was a bit worried about the draw but did a brilliant job in getting a bit of cover,” O’Brien said. “Dropping him back to five furlongs suited Sioux Nation well. Scat Daddy puts a lot of pace into his horses and pure speed is what they have.”

In a wide-open market, Declan Carroll’s Santry was made 13/2 joint-favourite with Wesley Ward’s Mcerin, who could not go on from half-way. Santry beat the main group quite comfortably but was out on his own and did not find as much as the winner. Carroll mentioned the Nunthorpe as a possible target.