Laverock disappoints in Germany

Laverock could finish no better than fourth in the Group One Rheinland-Pokal der Sparkasse KolnBonn at Cologne.

The Godolphin five-year-old was well fancied for the mile-and-a-half contest and took up an early lead under Frankie Dettori.

However, his challenge petered out as Saddex came through to take it up on the home turn and power away for a one-and-a-quarter-length win over First Stream and Bussoni.

“That was not the Laverock we know. He was not at his best,” said Simon Crisford, Godolphin’s racing manager.

Saddex’s trainer Peter Rau is now looking towards a big autumn target for his Torsten Mundry-ridden winner.

“He could now go straight to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (at Longchamp on October 7),” said the German handler.