Beckett plan ends in Victory as Moore insists bad luck was not down to the track

The two most historic handicaps in Epsom's calendar are not run in June but April. Last year they were not run at all, which was a cause of regret for trainer Ralph Beckett. He was forced to wait 12 months but his wait was worthwhile.

The City And Suburban Handicap was inaugurated in 1851. Like its spring meeting partner, the 175-year-old Great Metropolitan Handicap, it is not what it once was, but it was the race Beckett had long targeted for Victory Chime, who duly took his track record to two from two under Hector Crouch.

"This plan has been a while in the making," said Beckett. "The City And Suburban's profile has slipped but it is such a special race – and it's a race I was very disappointed he couldn’t run in last year as it was called off due to the coronavirus. He was off 8lb lower then as well. There is a race on Derby day we would think about coming back for as long as the handicapper lets us."

Victory Chime leads entering the final furlong of the City And SuburbanCredit: Edward Whitaker

The contest was less enjoyable for the connections and backers of Blue Cup, as Ryan Moore's mount was repeatedly denied a clear run up the home straight and appeared to finish full of running in fifth. However, the jockey was adamant the track was not a factor.

"He takes a keen hold, the pace was steady and unfortunately the gaps didn't come when I needed them," said Moore. "He was an unlucky loser but it wasn't an Epsom thing. It could have happened anywhere. That's racing."

Moore gained compensation in the following novice event, in which Fast Steps got off the mark for Richard Hannon and owner Saeed Suhail.

Group One rules in handicap

Since its revival in 1997, the Great Metropolitan had never been staged with only five runners, but Andrew Balding was not complaining about the small field following Group One Power's all-the-way success under Silvestre de Sousa.

Group One Power and Silvestre De Sousa land the Great Metropolitan HandicapCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"He was a bit gassy but luckily got away with it," said Balding. "He was a horse we liked a lot last year and being gelded has helped him. I hope there's another race in him this year and there's a nice handicap here on Derby day that could be a possibility."

A Derby day trip is also on the cards for 5f handicap winner Recon Mission, whose trainer Tony Carroll has high hopes for the months ahead.

Recon Mission (Ray Dawson) wins the Epsom Downs Welcomes Back Owners 5f HandicapEpsom 20.4.21 Pic: Edward Whitaker/Racing PostCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He ran well here previously in the Dash and this was a step on the way back to that race," said Carroll. "We've got a big team this year and big things are expected. I’ll be disappointed if we don’t get to 100 winners."

Dream hangs but delivers

Beckett completed a double in the concluding 1m½f handicap with the Rossa Ryan-ridden Patient Dream, who on his first start since being gelded won pleasingly and helpfully galloped with slightly less exuberance than when a juvenile.

He did, however, try to edge left down the camber, prompting Beckett to note: "He's not a keen horse – he's too busy hanging!"

Results, replays and analysis

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