Brave Positive battles to strike in thrilling Solario Stakes

The Clive Cox-trained Positive held off the challenge of Kameko in determined fashion to land the Group 3 Solario Stakes at Sandown.

He charged to the lead with two furlongs to go under Adam Kirby but market rivals Al Suhail and Kameko loomed dangerously, encouraging the son of Dutch Art to fight out the finish to score in a photo-finish.

Betfair and Paddy Power have priced Positive at 33-1 for next season's 2,000 Guineas but he is a 14-1 chance with William Hill.

Kirby told ITV Racing: "I can't take anything away from him. He is progressing with every start, he has got a brilliant mind and he will handle a lot of different grounds as well.

"I think he is a bit special and I am pleased with the way he has done it. He is still a baby – it is only his third run – but he finished his race off and stayed at it [the line] well.

Cox added of the winner, who won at 4-5: "I still think he is a work in progress. Today was pleasing but he is far from the finished article. We will talk about it [future targets] and do what is right for him. I think he will be a better horse next year."

Positive joins a star-studded roll of honour to win the Group 3 event, with Masar (2017) and Too Darn Hot (2018) landing this prize before scoring at the top level.

Kameko, who was having only his second career start, ran well to finish a nose second, while Al Suhail finished third.

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