Coco goes Wild at Newmarket

Wild Coco relished the wet conditions at Newmarket as she scored a first Listed success in the Newsells Park Stud Stakes this afternoon.

The 12-furlong heat, better known as the Aphrodite Stakes, had drawn a decent field with Meeznah, second past the post in last year's Oaks, among Wild Coco's rivals.

However, Henry Cecil's Shirocco filly attracted plenty of support and was sent off the 4-5 favourite.

Opera Gal blazed away at the head of the field with David Probert building up an eight-length advantage at one stage, but both Wild Coco and Meeznah began to eat into that lead over two furlongs out.

Heading inside the distance, Eddie Ahern gave Wild Coco the signal and she eased to the front as the game Opera Gal's exertions started to tell.

Meeznah tried to go with her and the pair treated the rain-lashed crowd to a decent battle, with Wild Coco asserting by a cosy half a length at the line.

Opera Gal showed plenty of heart to cling on for third, although she was some 10 lengths adrift.

Classic sponsors Ladbrokes offer 20-1 about the stoutly-bred Wild Coco's chances in the St Leger at Doncaster in September.