Vista too smart for Temple rivals

Sierra Vista showed up some lofty reputations to win the Betfair Temple Stakes at Sandown.

Although this Group Two heat lost a degree of verve following the withdrawal of Irish sprinter Dandy Man, it nevertheless produced a classy scorer in David Barker’s 5-1 chance.

Paul Hanagan and his partner made a flying start from stall seven and never saw another rival en route to a length-and-a-quarter verdict from fellow northern raider Moss Vale.

Firenze, the 5-2 favourite, stayed on from the rear to take third place, a further head away.

The disappointment of the race was York runner-up Red Clubs, who could not live with Sierra Vista’s blinding early pace and trailed home last.

“She’s awesome, what else can you say?” enthused Barker, who won this race two years ago with Celtic Mill.

“She’s blitzed them and had them strung out like washing.

“She was supposed to go to Haydock for a Listed fillies’ race but she doesn’t get in that now.

“She just keeps amazing me,” the North Yorkshire handler told Racing UK.