The Cursor earns free entry in St Leger after victory in 'win and you're in' novice

Andrew Balding: enjoyed a memorable afternoon at his local track

Andrew Balding: trainer of The CursorCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Cursor earned a free Betfred St Leger entry when making all to justify 6-5 favouritism in the 1m4f novice.

A 400,000gns purchase, the Andrew Balding-trained three-year-old got off the mark at the fifth attempt, having failed to feature in a Listed race and the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot on his last two starts.

Jockey Jason Watson told Sky Sports Racing: “He’s done nothing wrong really, he’s just struggled at the grade on his last couple of starts. I think he’ll get there in time. He stays well, has a lovely big action, and kept finding when challenged.”

Despite earning a St Leger entry, his mark of 85 leaves him with plenty to find to be competitive in Britain's oldest Classic.

Watson said: “Connections will have their ideas. Today was an easier assignment and we were hoping he’d pick it up as well as he did.”

Sunset shines

Sunset On Leros won on his second start for Marco Botti under Benoit de la Sayette by two and three-quarter lengths in the 7f novice.

Botti said: “Coming into the race we were confident, he had done a really nice piece of work last week with Benoit. Our two-year-olds usually improve with a run and this was the case.”

Lightning strikes

Electric Lightning gained a first win at the sixth attempt for Mark Walford in division two of the mile handicap. He continued a fine run of form for apprentice Warren Fentiman, who has ridden eight winners from his last 29 mounts.

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