Derby fifth Hazapour fails to fire as Turret Rocks lands shock Meld success
Jim Bolger's Turret Rocks battled tenaciously to cause an upset in the feature Meld Stakes at Leopardstown, with Investec Derby fifth Hazapour managing only third having been sent off the 8-13 favourite.
Ridden by Kevin Manning, the 14-1 winner prevailed in a thrilling duel with Aidan O'Brien's Deauville, who finished second in the Group 3 contest last year to Bolger's Moonlight Magic. Dermot Weld's Hazapour was unable to land a significant blow.
Bolger said: "She got some super assistance from the saddle and wasn't going to give it away.
"The Prix de l'Opera could be a target on Arc day. The only problem with that might be that she doesn't like soft ground."
He added: "She might get an invite to Hong Kong as well – I'll have to take out my passport again."
How the race was won
Deauville, ridden by Donnacha O'Brien, set off in front and tried to catch Hazapour flat-footed after Frankie Dettori had settled the favourite three to four lengths off the pace in third. The June Judd-owned Turret Rocks was never far away in second.
O'Brien injected pace into the contest on the turn for home, with Hazapour looking one-paced under pressure as he attempted to make headway. Turret Rocks battled between the pair in the straight and stayed on well to prevail by a neck.
Bolger added: "She started to improve about a month ago and has done well since. She is gutsy and when on song she can be very good."
Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
Published on 19 July 2018inReports
Last updated 20:28, 19 July 2018
- Beverley: 'She didn’t have a sweat mark on her' - Jayvee storms to 16-1 debut success for Brian Ellison
- Catterick: 'It’s made a dramatic improvement' - Kevin Frost hails yard switch after saddling first turf Flat winner of 2024
- Perth: 'Next season will be so exciting' - Gold Cup dreams renewed for Sounds Russian after Listed success
- Ludlow: 'I didn't take a wrong turn so job done' - successful British tour for Patrick Mullins continues on Daddy Long Legs
- Epsom: 'He’s got to be a little bit silly to be at his best' - Dash aim for 'wild' winner Night On Earth
- Beverley: 'She didn’t have a sweat mark on her' - Jayvee storms to 16-1 debut success for Brian Ellison
- Catterick: 'It’s made a dramatic improvement' - Kevin Frost hails yard switch after saddling first turf Flat winner of 2024
- Perth: 'Next season will be so exciting' - Gold Cup dreams renewed for Sounds Russian after Listed success
- Ludlow: 'I didn't take a wrong turn so job done' - successful British tour for Patrick Mullins continues on Daddy Long Legs
- Epsom: 'He’s got to be a little bit silly to be at his best' - Dash aim for 'wild' winner Night On Earth