Ouija back to her best in Royal romp
The mare looked to have plenty to do early in the straight but she produced a telling turn of foot for Olivier Peslier to land the Group One contest over a mile and a quarter.
Ouija Board (8-1), trained by Ed Dunlop, struck by half a length from long-time leader Electrocutionist, with Manduro three-quarters of a length away in third.
Frankie Dettori had set a steady pace on Electrocutionist, leading from Manduro and Notnowcato.
He still led turning for home, where David Junior looked dangerous only for his challenge to soon falter.
At one stage it looked as though Ouija Board might struggle to get a run but once switched to the outside she quickly stamped her authority on a quality field to capture her fifth success at the highest level.
Dunlop told BBC Sport: “Fantastic, to win here with her was amazing – I’ve lost my voice. I watched her drift in the betting but I’ve never backed her before and I wasn’t going to start today.
“She probably didn’t quite stay against Shirocco, who was very impressive in the Coronation Cup and is probably the best mile and a half horse in Europe.
“Olivier gave her a great ride and I always knew she could quicken. She can quicken against the best and she’s proved that. This was probably the best run of her life.
“We’ll think about her next race – I had said we would have a holiday and head out for the Breeders’ Cup – but we’ll wait and see what Teddy (Lord Derby) says.”
Peslier said: “There weren’t many runners and the race was not run very fast. This filly has a good turn of foot.
“It took a little time before I got out but after that she changed her legs and got going. Then I knew I was going to get there.”
Dettori said of Electrocutionist: “He ran great. We tried to stretch their stamina and he had everything beat, bar the good mare.
“It was a super run after a layoff, he gave me a lovely feel and he will be a live contender for the King George.”
Godolphin’s racing manager Simon Crisford added: “He ran a brilliant race, he was just beaten by a sharper filly on the day.
“We are very pleased with him, he was just a little bit rusty like some of our horses.
“We couldn’t press buttons when we wanted to and they are going to be a bit rusty, but he’s run a very big race and there is lots to look forward to for the rest of the season.
“We will definitely be looking at the King George.”
Paul Harley, racing manager to owner Baron Georg von Ullmann, said of Manduro: “It was great to come here and show how good he is. He has run against the best middle-distance horses in Europe and not been beaten far, and in addition he was a bit short of room. Andre (Fabre) said he would have a chance if he was well and he has justified that.”
Brian Meehan said of 11-8 favourite David Junior: “I am very pleased with the horse and Jamie (Spencer) said that he felt great, although there was just a lack of pace.
“We might go for the Eclipse next as he didn’t have a hard race but I will have to talk to the owners.”
