'He's got more than one trick in his hat' - Soto Sizzler lands Suburban spoils

Tuesday: Epsom

The adage horses for courses certainly rings true when it comes to Soto Sizzler, who took his excellent track record to three wins from five starts in the City And Suburban Handicap.

The 2019 Great Metropolitan winner was towards the rear under Ryan Moore and looked to have a fight on his hands as the strong-travelling Achelois shot for home, but the seven-year-old mowed down the filly to win by a neck.

His trainer David Menuisier was winning a second notable handicap in two days after Belloccio snared the Rosebery at Kempton on Monday, and he said: "I think he’s more versatile than people give him credit for, it’s just the programme book that sees him back here. He’s seven, but he keeps on improving.

Racegoers watch on as Soto Sizzler ralliesCredit: Edward Whitaker

"A mile and two furlongs here is quite quick. We needed to try and get him to travel better, we tried blinkers and a visor and he wasn’t really facing them. I thought, 'Let’s put some cheekpieces on', so at least I’ve done my job even if it doesn’t work!"

Menuisier added: "He’s a lengthener so he doesn’t quicken really sharp, but today proves the old boy has got more than one trick in his hat."

The trainer was luckless in the race 12 months ago when Blue Cup was "absolutely buried" and admitted to feeling a sense of redemption a year on.

Blue Cup went on to win Epsom's 1m2f handicap on Oaks day and Soto Sizzler could attempt that double.

Photo goes to Going

The first photo-finish occurred in the Great Metropolitan Handicap 75 years ago and history repeated itself as the plucky Going Gone repelled the late challenge of Mascat by a head.

Pat Cosgrave dictated the pace but had to fend off a three-pronged challenge to prevail for local trainer Jim Boyle and owners Paul Taylor and Richard O'Dwyer, who received the loudest reception of the day.

Boyle said: "We knew this was the race we were going to aim for and we know he runs well fresh so this was the plan all winter.

"It’s probably not his track. He’s a big, rangy horse and he’s probably won twice here despite the track, not because of it. He’ll stay further and he’s a progressive horse. He’s a horse we can take to some nice places and we love having winners here.

"He’s got a bit of attitude and he’s taken a bit of training as he can be a bit of a handful. He had to be gelded early because of it but he hasn’t looked back since."

Perfect start for Davies

Harry Davies struck on his first ride at the course when last year's Dash winner Mokaatil stayed on best to take the 5f handicap.

The two-time pony racing champion did not panic when the seven-year-old laboured in the early stages of the race, delivering him with a powerful late run up the stand rail.

Results, replays and analysis

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