Chesham delight for Dettori

Frankie Dettori claimed his second Royal Ascot winner of the week when Tha’ir struck in the Chesham Stakes.

Suitably inspired by his Gold Cup success aboard Colour Vision, the Italian maestro delivered the Saeed bin Suroor-trained colt with an inch-perfect challenge deep inside the final furlong.

Tha’ir (9-2) stayed sharp and true on the charge to the line, and had two and a quarter lengths in reserve of determined runner-up Cruck Realta (33-1).

Lovely Pass finished third, another neck away, while the 2-1 favourite Move To Strike made late progress but was no match for the accomplished winner.

It was, significantly, a third Royal Ascot winner of the week for freshman sire New Approach.

Tha'ir was introduced into bookmakers' 2000 Guineas markets for next season at around the 20-1 mark.

The two-year-old colt could next report for duty at Glorious Goodwood.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: “What a week for New Approach - three winners at Royal Ascot is unbelievable.

“We came here hoping we’d do well, but we are really pleased with this one.

“We’ll obviously talk to Sheikh Mohammed, but he’ll maybe go to Goodwood (Vintage Stakes, August 1).”

Dettori said: “The further he was going, the better he was winning.

“New Approach has had a fantastic week and this is a nice horse for the future.

“He’s not overly big, but he has a good, willing attitude.

“I was very impressed.”

Crisford added: ``This horse has been to Ripon twice, which is a difficult track for an inexperienced horse.

“He had to step up today and he has done that. Frankie was keen to give him some cover and that worked well.

“We have a good team and to come here and bag two winners is great news.”