Sunday, May 17, 2015

Forgotten Rules maintains unbeaten record in Vintage Crop



The ante-post favourite for the Ascot highlight enhanced his claims for next month's two-and-a-half mile Group One after passing a stern test from Jim Bolger's Answered on his first start for 211 days.

These two fought out a stirring finish to the Group Three contest over a mile and three-quarters after Sir Ector and Panama Hat had set the pace.

Forgotten Rules (8/11 favourite), trained by Dermot Weld, showed all the right qualities for a top stayer as he held his race-fit rival by a length and a quarter in the hands of Pat Smullen.

The two principals pulled well clear of Sir Ector in third while the sole British raider, the David Lanigan-trained Biographer, only beat one home after never getting into contention.

Weld said: "I was very pleased with the performance and thought it was an excellent renewal of the race.

"Two very brave and high-class stayers fought it out. Not taking anything away from the second he's a very good horse.

"He had the benefit of a run and was getting 5lb so I thought it was an excellent performance by Forgotten Rules on his first run back.

"I'm pleased with the way he handled the drying ground and it augurs well for his future.

"The obvious logical next step is the Ascot Gold Cup and the only caveat I would have is that he would never want the ground too firm.

"Pat was very pleased with the way he strode out and he handled it well. It's beautiful ground out there and any horse would go on it. Credit to Navan the track is in super shape."

The winner was immeditately cut to 5/2 from 3/1 by Sky Bet for the Ascot Gold Cup and the firm's Michael Shinners said: "Forgotten Rules didn't get things all his own way and had to really knuckle down to get the better of Jim Bolger's progressive runner-up.

"The second also had the benefit of a recent run so you can't help but be impressed by Forgotten Rules' comeback success especially as he was conceding weight all round."

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