Awesome Sir Prancealot blazes to National win

Report: Sandown, Thursday

Betfair Funds The PJA Doctor National Stakes (Listed) 5f

SIR PRANCEALOT will head to Royal Ascot with an unbeaten record after turning what had looked a competitive renewal of the National Stakes into a procession under Richard Hughes.

Even more impressive was the fact the son of Tamayuz had to overcome trouble in running under Richard Hughes but still picked up the leaders with the minimum of fuss before careering away for an easy victory.

The win was trainer Richard Hannon's fourth in the race in the last six years, but his first since completing a hat-trick in the Listed contest with Monsieur Chevalier in 2009.

Assistant trainer Richard Hannon jnr said: "He's settled down since his debut win at Bath and put on weight. Hughesie loved him and he looked pretty special."

Regarding his Royal Ascot target, Hannon added: "He looks like he would get 6f in the Coventry or alternatively we could stick at 5f for the Norfolk but we don't have to make our mind up yet.

"He's as good as we've seen from our yard so far this season."

The race was fast and furious from the off with stablemates Storm Moon and Baileys Jubilee making it a true test from the gates but Sir Prancealot looked in a different league as he cruised past the leaders a furlong out.

Running on from the rear to fill the places were Top Boy and Effie B, the latter looking tailor-made for 6f after struggling though the early stages.

Also on Thursday . . .

Sandown: Betfair Heron Stakes (Listed) 1m

After the success on Opinion Poll in the Henry II Stakes, Frankie Dettori completed a double when partnering 8-1 shot Cogito to a narrow success over Stipulate.

The pre-race hype surrounded Top Offer, who contested the Qipco 2,000 Guineas on his last start, and the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Tales Of Grimm but both were inconvenienced by the modest early gallop.

In contrast, Cogito and Stipulate were always close to the pace and perfectly poised to strike. Stipulate hit the front first for Tom Queally but eventually gave way to the fast-finishing winner.

"We've always felt he was a stakes horse," said winning trainer Brian Meehan. "I would like to have a crack at the St James's Palace Stakes now but we will have to speak with the owners."

Top Offer raced keenly in last and never landed a blow as the tempo quickened, while Tales Of Grimm ran with credit to stay on for third after being nearer last than first early on.