Blinkers help Baron’s spring a surprise

BARON’S PIT rewarded the patience of his owners as he got up late to spring a 20-1 surprise in the Group Two totepool Diadem Stakes at Newmarket yesterday.

Avonbridge, sent off the 3-1 favourite, was quickly into his stride and he set a swift early pace as Johnny Murtagh settled Baron’s Pit on the heels of the leader with Fayr Jag just behind.

Coming into the final furlong, Avonbridge was still in front but Fayr Jag (12-1) came storming down the outside to just get his head in front half a furlong from home. However, neither had counted on the burst of extra acceleration from Amanda Perrett’s charge and he came between the two to just get up by a neck.