Exciting Montpellier defies a penalty and looks a smart prospect for Qatar Racing team

Montpellier looks an exciting prospect for owners Qatar Racing and took his record to two wins from as many starts in the first division of the 7f novice stakes.

The three-year-old has an eyecatching pedigree, being by sire-of-the-moment Wootton Bassett and out of the Prix de l'Abbaye winner Mabs Cross, and he showed grit to go alongside his talent to get the better of 10-11 favourite Sea Force by a head in an exciting finish.

"I was thrilled he showed natural progression from first run to second," said winning trainer James Ferguson. "He'd have learned plenty today. He had to fight a little bit, whereas first time he found it a lot easier. Carrying a penalty is no easy feat. 

"He seemed to handle the ground no problem. It was riding on the quick side and he still showed a little bit of greenness, but overall I'm thrilled. He's definitely going to improve in time."

Ferguson does not have any targets in mind for Montpellier and admits he does not know where his ceiling is.

He added: "His work at home has been pretty good, so I'm hopeful he can take another step forward." 

Montpellier's rider Oisin Murphy was completing a quickfire double after scoring aboard the Andrew Balding-trained Humidity in the 6f maiden. That produced a similarly close finish, with just a short head separating Cheveley Park Stud's colt from 7-2 favourite Title Role. 

Brilliant Burrito

George Strawbridge homebred Burrito, trained by John and Thady Gosden, looked a horse capable of competing at the major festivals when taking the first 1m2f handicap on the card under Benoit de la Sayette.

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