James Owen runner introduced at 16-1 for French 2,000 Guineas after surprise success in feature

A day after saddling Wimbledon Hawkeye to finish runner-up in the Craven, James Owen and the Gredleys went one better when Pellitory struck at 25-1 in the 7f conditions race for three-year-olds.

Harry Davies gave Pellitory an accomplished ride to land a half-length victory that dented a few reputations, with 6-5 favourite Anno Domini in second and Treble Tee more than three lengths behind in fourth.

The success was no surprise to the Gredley team as Pellitory had worked like one of their best juveniles in 2024 but things did not always drop right on the track.

Owen said: "He worked well with Wimbledon Hawkeye last year and we always had massive faith in him. He put it together today and settled well before picking up nicely. He would have won any handicap we wanted off his mark but we always thought he was better than a handicapper. He has a French Guineas entry and we'll let the dust settle before we decide where we go."

Paddy Power introduced the winner into their market for the French 2,000 Guineas at 16-1.

Davies, who has struck up a productive relationship with the Gredleys, said: "I managed to tack on to the back of Treble Tee, who I know is a nice horse for the Crisfords, and he finished off well. Thanks to the Gredleys for putting me up."

Military on march

Charlie Appleby won the 5f novice with subsequent Royal Ascot winner Sound And Silence in 2017 and Military Code could well be destined for the royal meeting after an impressive debut triumph over Moonfall.

The son of Wootton Bassett defied a market drift from odds-on in the morning to 6-1 when powering out of the Dip under William Buick to give Appleby a first juvenile win of the season at the second attempt.

The powerfully built juvenile looks made for six furlongs and was happy on the undulations, having stepped out on the Waterhall gallop last month in company with some of the more precocious types from Moulton Paddocks.

Appleby said: "We have a nicer bunch of early two-year-olds this year with this fellow and perhaps two more to run over five furlongs and the others over six.

"He's a strong type who was professional there. He could stick to five next time but we see him as more of a six- furlong horse and he could be one for the Coventry."

William Buick wins the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes on Indian SpringsCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Buick picked up the prize for the race with his son Thomas and was on target again for Appleby in the following Alex Scott Maiden Stakes, bringing Indian Springs from last to first to score on his first outing on turf.

Bullet hits target

William Haggas and Tom Marquand kicked off a treble when the progressive Bullet Point posted a stylish comeback win in the Class 2 mile handicap.

Marquand employed brave tactics on the 6-1 chance by tacking to the far rail and it paid off with a decisive success.

Haggas said: "If you win by three and a quarter lengths you're entitled to go for a race at Royal Ascot. He won off 89, so he'll be about 97 after this and that would put you in the frame for the Royal Hunt Cup."

The trainer-jockey combination also took both divisions of the 7f handicap for three-year-olds with Power Fizz and Art Market.

King Casper reigns

Hugo Palmer brought 2,000 Guineas hope Seagulls Eleven to gallop on the Rowley Mile on Tuesday but stablemate King Casper was just as impressive in landing the mile handicap at odds of 14-1.

The former Newmarket trainer took the three-year-olds-only contest for the second year running and could well have a Royal Ascot contender on his hands.

Chris Roberton, who owns the colt in a syndicate that includes Michael Owen, said: "We're thinking of the Britannia Handicap after that. He got stuck in the mud at Haydock last year and we knew he was better than that. I was so confident I even had a cheeky £100 on him!"

Read these next:

'He's an unbelievable horse' - speedy veteran Dakota Gold lands 17th win on seasonal reappearance

'We'll paint Cheltenham red' - Irish syndicate plans big celebration after pulling off 28-1 coup with first-time winner in opener