The Foxes outsmarts fancied rivals to spring surprise in the Royal Lodge

Saturday: Newmarket

The Foxes, who takes his moniker from Leicester City's nickname, began to fit the billing for owners King Power when he was on target in the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes.

Not for the first time, the mile contest was a messy race, with Daniel Muscutt setting steady fractions on outsider Dubai Mile before leaving his three rivals flat-footed when stepping it up from the Bushes.

That was a move that had Godolphin's long odds-on favourite Flying Honours in trouble and it was The Foxes who came last and late to land the spoils under David Probert.

The winner was given an opening quote of 25-1 by Paddy Power for next year's Derby and was also cut for the Vertem Trophy at Doncaster next month, although trainer Andrew Balding indicated he would not run again this season.

He said: "We thought they'd go a stronger gallop which is why we rode him as we did but he got the job done. I love the way he galloped out with his head down and he enjoyed stepping up to a mile.

"This is an important win as King Power are big supporters of ours and The Foxes is a big name to live up to. It's unlikely he'll run again this year and he could be an Epsom horse next year."

Doubles all round

Balding later doubled up and William Buick completed a brace of his own when Vermilion put her experience to good use in the maiden fillies' stakes.

There were echoes of Cachet's 1,000 Guineas triumph with members of the successful Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicate in the Rowley Mile winner's enclosure afterwards. The daughter of Kodiac has some big shoes to fill as the 7f contest was won by subsequent Group 1 winner Saffron Beach in 2020.

Highclere Thoroughbred representative Alex Smith said: "We're delighted with that. She was headed and battled back under a fine ride from William."

Italian job

The 7f fillies' nursery was an all Italian affair with Andrea Atzeni doing the steering on Coco Jamboo for trainer Marco Botti and owners Scuderia Sagam SRLS & Partner.

The 100-30 chance was drawn close to the stands' side but ended up on the far rail when seeing off Zabbie, but it was all part of the plan according to Botti.

He said: "It was the plan to drop her in as she was up in trip and it worked out well. Coco Jamboo ran into a well-handicapped type at Doncaster last time and deserved to get her head in front. She needs quick ground which will determine where she goes next."

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