Spanish Mission handed possible US target after course record win at Newmarket

David Simcock’s Spanish Mission is likely to head for the United States later this year after he made short work of his rivals in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket and broke the course record in the process.

Shrewdly bought by his current US owners earlier this year, the fast improving three-year-old, having only his second start on turf, showed plenty of mettle when the chips were down under Jamie Spencer, before pulling four lengths clear of Nayef Road.

Simcock said: “I'm delighted for one of his joint-owners Earle Mack, who is here, and Jamie didn't panic when the leader (unplaced Severance) went miles ahead. I thought the form of his second at Goodwood was strong and he's familiar with these sort of undulations as he’s been working nicely on the watered gallop over the way."