St Nicholas Abbey back to best in Coronation

Report: Epsom, Friday

Investec Coronation Cup (Group 1) 1m4f, 4yo+

HAVING been passed and gone several lengths down on Midday early in the home straight, St Nicholas Abbey showed battling qualities to match his class and land a first Group 1 success since taking the Racing Post Trophy in 2009.

A tenacious Ryan Moore completed a 16-1 double on the day and never gave up on the even-money favourite, overhauling Midday close home after the mare had been matched at1.01 on Betfair after hitting the front early in the home straight.

Having switched round Midday, St Nicholas Abbey ground his way back to the front towards the centre of the course and was going away from the runner-up atthe line.

Moore said: "Midday probably quickened the better but he was very honest today. He fought hard but it was a messy race. They went slow and we got racing a long way out.

"I just wanted to get him round the bend and then kick on but Tom's gone even earlier and tried to pinch it. He's seen the trip out really well and his class has seen him through, you couldn't fault his commitment either."

O'Brien added: "That was brilliant. It's been a long way back for him and a lot of people have been involved in getting him back. Ryan gave him a great ride today.

"I made a mess of him last year and this year I had to try to stop myself messing him up again. I'm grateful the lads gave him the chance to get over last year and that they had patience and faith in the horse and also the trust in us not to destroy him again. 

"You would have to think about a race likeKing George. That would be an obvious aim but we won't make any decisions we've got home and discussed it."

Victor Chandler cut Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey from to 8-1 (from 12) for the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe while he is a best-priced 5-1 with William Hill for the King George.

Dandino and Paul Mulrennan set a steady pace and Moore struggled to get the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt to settle in the early stages.

Turning for home Queally came widest around Tattenham Corner and kicked for home with three and a half furlongs to go, powering several lengths clear of his rivals in an instant and looking like putting the race to bed in a matter of strides.

However the pair were in front early enough and the mare, who seemed to stop when out in front in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood last year, flattened out in her run as Moore hittop-gear aboard St Nicholas Abbey.

Cecil said of Midday: "St Nicholas Abbey did not come down the hill so Tom [Queally] had to take advantage and go on. He did exactly the right thing. Midday will still improve for the run and she was beaten by a good horse, they're both good horses."