Scope lands Listed Noel Murless as Chalk Stream runs out of petrol

Rob Hornby got his timing spot on as Scope hunted down the runaway leader Chalk Stream to win the Listed Noel Murless Stakes.

The three-year-old, who finished sixth in the St Leger in September, won for the first time since beating Arc hope Mojo Star last year and could be aimed next for this month's Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp.

Chalk Stream ran keenly and led by ten lengths with three furlongs to go before being overtaken on the straight by Scope, who justified favouritism to win by seven and a half lengths.

"This lad missed the summer because of an issue so I was always rushing a little to get him to the Great Voltigeur in August," said trainer Ralph Beckett. "I might have a think about the Prix Royal-Oak for him, it's three weeks on Sunday, so that wouldn't be impossible."

The Queen's Chalk Stream was bidding for a four-timer and rider Tom Marquand, who partners Alenquer in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday, said: "He's a character. He's done well this year but has never been straightforward – it was probably a combination of the step up in trip and the stalls being in front of the stands.

"All things considered, he's done well to hang on in second behind the winner, who came out of a good run in the St Leger last time."

Back with a bang

Bartzella bounced back from her shock odds-on defeat at Thirsk to comfortably land the 1m4f novice contest under Marquand.

The daughter of Golden Horn, who was sent off at 1-5 when third on her last start, finished clear by three and a half lengths from Without Envy.

Bartzella: a comfortable winner in the colours of Anthony OppenheimerCredit: Edward Whitaker

"She was beaten at Thirsk on her second start but it's a sharp track and she slipped on the first bend, which she didn't recover from," said Maureen Haggas, assistant trainer to her husband William.

"William has always liked her so we were a little bit disappointed," she added. "She's inexperienced and probably thought 'what the hell is going on here?' She looked happier today. She made the running and seemed to enjoy the track and the ground.

"She could possibly run again before the end of the season as she doesn't mind a bit of cut in the ground and is in good form. We'll see what the handicapper does."

Dettori on the mark

Frankie Dettori celebrated the 25th anniversary of his Magnificent Seven this week and marked the occasion with victory aboard Sunray Major, who was an authoritative winner of the 7f handicap.

Frankie Dettori: still hungry for more successCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We've always thought a bit of him," said Dettori, who earlier in the day was presented with seven bottles of champagne, a cake and a framed photo following a race named in honour of his remarkable feat.

"He had an injury and was off for a year and a half. He's lost a lot of time so we're playing catch-up at the moment and John [Gosden] had the Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day in mind for him."

Results, replays and analysis

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