Muddling pace blamed for Motivator defeat
The Vodafone Derby winner went to post the 2-5 favourite for the Sandown feature following his highly-impressive victory at Epsom last month.
But after hitting the front with over a quarter of a mile to go in the 10-furlong Group One contest, Motivator was collared close home and beaten half a length by Oratorio.
“I think the more one sort of reflects on it, the pace in the race is what got him beaten,” Bell said yesterday.
“Give credit to the winner but I have to say had they gone a faster pace Oratorio would possibly have struggled to lay up even more.
“I’m sure the horse is effective over a mile and a quarter. It’s deeply disappointing he got beaten but I think it was the muddling pace as much as anything that accounted for his defeat.
“For a championship race it was a very slow time so it just goes to show it was a muddling pace.
“The ground was possibly a factor as well but he could have been going two strides faster from a long way out and I think we might have had it in the bag.
“It’s so easy to be wise after the event - hindsight is a very potent weapon.”
Plans for Motivator are undecided with Bell yet to discuss the next move with Harry Herbert, manager for the colt’s owners The Royal Ascot Racing Club.
The son of Montjeu is a general 5-2 chance, although he has been removed from some lists, for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot at Newbury on July 23.
“I would like to talk to the management involved with the horse and then come up with a plan,” the Newmarket trainer continued.
“We have no set plan but the horse is fine which is the most important thing.
“Realistically the King George might come a bit too soon for him but looking at him this morning just standing in his box he doesn’t look as though he’s had a tough race, he looks completely fine. He’s showing no ill effects.
“He’s fine he’s just had a lead out and looks in good health. He ate up last night and he’s none the worse for his exertions.”
Motivator had won his four starts before Saturday in the style of a true champion and Bell added: “He has no divine right to win every race he runs in.
“Hopefully he’s only temporarily dethroned.”
