Bentley optimism justified as Limato motors home in Challenge Stakes

Harry Bentley thought that the Group 2 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Challenge Stakes was a "winnable race" for Limato on Friday morning and so it proved in the afternoon as the sprinter scored in emphatic fashion.

The 7f contest used to open the old Champions Day card on the Rowley Mile and it is hard to remember an easier winner down the years as Henry Candy's star streaked home up the stands' rail to score by three and a half lengths from Massaat.

Despite kicking off his 2017 campaign with a desert disaster in Dubai, last year's July Cup winner still looked in top shape seven months later to register a belated first win of the year.