Richard Hannon celebrated reaching the 100 winner mark for the ninth successive year with arguably his easiest winner of them all after Ehraz outclassed his rivals to open his account for the season in the British Stallion Studs EBF Conditions Stakes.
Without a win to his name since landing a maiden on his second start at Ascot last July the son of Showcasing, who finished sixth in the Group One Commonwealth Cup in June, made the most of a significant drop in grade to outpoint his two rivals.
Keeping things simple out in front in the six-furlong contest the 2-11 Favourite comfortably drew clear late on under Jim Crowley to defeat Tiriac by six and a half lengths to give Hannon his landmark triumph.
Hannon said: “That’s our 100th winner of the year and I’m delighted. He is a lovely horse but he had ulcers quite bad. We had to send him back to Shadwell and they sorted that out.
“His first run back after being treated for ulcers in a Group Three last time wasn’t very good for one reason or another but I’m delighted he has come here and won how we hoped he would.
“If you see the work he does at home you would definitely think he is not ordinary and he looked better than that out there. He is growing up all the time.
“Hopefully he can be a nice sprinter next season. It makes the winter a bit shorter having horses like him to look forward to.”
Bodorgan looked a horse to keep on the right side of in the future after claiming a clear cut success in division two of the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes - much to the delight of part owner David Martin.
Having finished third over course and distance on his last start the 6-5 Favourite, who is named after a village in Anglesey, was not to be denied on this occasion with Ryan Moore steering the Charlie Hills-trained colt to glory by four and a quarter lengths.
Martin said: “He was very green first time out but he did well the last day and that form has worked out. He was a very justifiable favourite.
“He stayed on well and Ryan seemed to be quite relaxed on him as he didn’t really have to push too many buttons. He will definitely get further.”
Martin, who is involved in around 10 horses with his wife Julia, hopes the ground will be suitable enough to allow flagbearer Ajero to take his chance in the BetGoodwin November Handicap at Doncaster a week tomorrow.
He said: “We are going to put Ajero in the November Handicap next week but that is really ground dependant. He does need it on the good side of soft.
“If he doesn’t run there we might switch him back to hurdles and then put him away as he wants better ground.”
Joint trainer Oliver Cole believes Physique could be a “nice prospect” for next season after going one better than on his debut at Newbury seven days ago to land the opening division of the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes.
Putting his previous experience to good use the 7-4 Favourite made all to score by a length and three quarters from debutant Majestic Pride to give successful rider Mohammed Tabti his first winner at the Rowley Mile.
Cole, who trains the Kingman gelding together with his father Paul, said: “We wanted to get him out again quickly but he has only really just come to hand. He is a nice prospect.
“He was a bit green in his last race and Mohammed said today he was a bit idle in front but he felt that if something came to him he would go again. I think this trip is fine for him.”
