'He's not the biggest but by God he tries' - A Bit Of Spirit comes out on top in thrilling four-way finish in Solario Stakes

The BetMGM Solario Stakes has long been a test of quality, a kingmaking race designed to help establish the juvenile pecking order, but this year's running called just as much for courage and A Bit Of Spirit showed it in abundance to narrowly come out on top following a thrilling blanket finish. 

Four horses were still in contention in the dying strides but the bob went the way of the Clive Cox-trained winner, who made the most of his experience and toughed it out on soft ground to set up a host of autumn targets after holding on bravely to deny Oceans Four by a nose.

"He's unbelievable and wears his heart on his sleeve," said Rossa Ryan. "I went half a length down with 100 yards to go but he kept finding. He's not the biggest but by God he's got a heart of gold and tries very hard. Where he may lack a small bit of ability he makes up for it with heart. Clive's horses are flying and it's great to win for [owners] Paul and Clare Rooney."

The Solario has been won by numerous Group 1 winners, including Godolphin's 2018 Derby winner Masar and this year's Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace winner Field Of Gold, whose stablemate Publish was ruled out on Friday evening due to the testing ground.

"He's so tough and has remarkable courage," said Cox, after recording his second success in the Group 3 race. "I thought he was beaten there for a minute but he got back up. We didn't know if he'd cope with these easy conditions but he's knuckled down well and we're proud of him."

Clive Cox with A Bit Of Spirit following his Solario successCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

A Bit Of Spirit has been a model of consistency this season, scoring by a head on his debut at Newbury in June before following up at Salisbury and finishing second in two Listed contests. 

"He was quite naughty on his first start," said Cox. "He was difficult to saddle and we weren't sure what to expect, but when he stepped foot on the track he knew what it was all about. He's improved and become more confident, which has displayed more ability, but the fighting quality was there from the beginning. He's all heart and is much more battle-hardened now."

The son of Palace Pier was cut to 25-1 (from 50) for the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes on October 11, but holds entries in next month's Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes, also over seven furlongs, and the Royal Lodge, which would require stepping back up to a mile.

"He's a tough, hardy two-year-old and we can keep pushing with that in mind," added Cox. "This was a learning curve but the fact he's handled soft ground means we can keep going this year and all the options are open to him. I'm thrilled he's taken this step forward today."

Following a stewards' inquiry, Wathnan Racing's Humidity, who Andrew Balding suggested could be aimed at the Royal Lodge, was promoted to second with Oceans Four demoted to third. Godolphin were unable to enhance their recent record in the race with Pacific Avenue finishing fourth.

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