Stand Guard delivers in La Estrella’s absence

Stand Guard joined La Estrella on a mark just one short of the British all-weather-winning record when the pair’s much anticipated clash at Southwell was called off at the 11th hour.

The Coral App Download From The App Store Selling Stakes had attracted both the sport’s current main protagonists on artificial surfaces, with Don Cantillon’s La Estrella seeking to equal the 25 victories set by China Castle at this same course in December 2001.

But Cantillon withdrew La Estrella on veterinary advice shortly before the event and left Tom Queally and Stand Guard to completely outclass his only remaining opponent, Bix.