Second Race London Clubs International Stakes

Dunelight Defies Draw

The Clive Cox-trained Dunelight, drawn 15 in the 16-runner field, confounded the perception that horses drawn high are at a disadvantage on the straight course, by making all down the far side for an emphatic five-length victory over Easy Air.

Philip Robinson jumped the winner into an early lead, and, opting to race to his draw, led a group of three horses down the centre to far-side.

Robinson revealed: I spoke to Clive before the race and he said he had walked the course and  felt that it would be worth our while going slightly further over than mid-track, so I had a look on the way to the start and felt it was a good idea to take that route. This horse is happy on his own so it made sense to avoid going standsside and fighting for  a position. He was always doing it very well and I felt we were always holding them.

Cox commented: I walked the course early this morning and felt that we were not at a disadvantage and thankfully we were proved right because if it goes wrong you look a right Charlie. I do not know whether they have done anything, but the ground seems a bit tighter over there than it was. He ran well from a bad draw in the Britannia and I put the visor on to give him confidence. Iam thrilled for the owners and it is nice to win another big prize.

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