Archie Watson delighted with Soldier's Call second behind Battaash in Nunthorpe

As Battaash blitzed his rivals en route to Nunthorpe glory, Soldier's Call put in a tremendous performance to finish best of the rest and showcase his sprinting credentials for Archie Watson.

The three-year-old hit the front from three furlongs out and stayed on well, but just did not have enough to contend with the Charlie Hills-trained superstar.

While not quite as close as his neck defeat to Mabs Cross in the Prix de l'Abbaye last year, Watson was excited with the performance and hinted that elusive Group 1 victory could be just around the corner.

He said: "I'm delighted. Look, he's bumped into one of the best sprinters of recent times and has run a huge race to be second. He's got bags of pace and has fought the rest off well, and is a pleasure to train.

Watch Soldier's Call chase home Battaash

"There are three more Group 1s this year that are suitable – there's the Flying Five in Ireland, the Abbaye again, and the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. We'll have a think but I think France and America are his two most likely targets."

Owned by Steve Parkin, who on Thursday won the Lowther Stakes with Living In The Past, Soldier's Call could remain in training next year - something the trainer would relish.

A grinning Watson added: "I'm sure the trainer would like it very much if he did! But he's a very good stallion prospect, so we'll have to see. Hopefully, he wins a Group 1 this year and it won't be an issue."

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