Sooraah gains gutsy success ahead of retirement
The William Haggas-trained filly wore down long-time leader Primevere in the dying strides to snatch the Woodcote Stud EBF “Halling” Valiant Stakes.
Primevere was a tough nut to crack, but Ryan Moore got every ounce out of Sooraah (5-2) to gain the upper hand for a head victory.
Winter’s Night, the 13-8 favourite, stayed on well for third place, just three-quarters of a length behind.
“We were a little apprehensive about the ground going into the race as she doesn’t like it soft, but Ryan reported the ground was good all round,” said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Mohammed Jaber.
“She got a well-deserved Listed race win and she’s been very consistent. She has tended sometimes to be a little bit keen in her races.
“If she does that early she is not able to finish as well, but today everything went very well.
“She was very well placed by the trainer and he was confident she would go very close.
“This Listed win will help her when she goes to the paddocks at the end of the season.
“She’s got a 3lb penalty now for the mile handicap at Goodwood on Friday and William will just have a look at the race.”
Keys was made to work hard by Colour Vision to follow up Saturday’s Newbury success in the John Guest Brown Jack Handicap.
The 4-5 favourite overcame trouble in running to battle it out in the closing stages with Colour Vision, who had won his last two starts.
The pair pulled five lengths clear of the remainder, with Keys, trained by Roger Charlton, eventually winning by three-quarters of a length under Jamie Spencer.
