Sky Bet Lowther Stakes
Group 2, York 13:55 £225,000 added, 2yo only, 6f, Class 1
Thursday 23rd August 2018

1 Fairyland 6/4F
2 The Mackem Bullet 25/1
3 Queen Jo Jo 16/1
9 ran Distances: nse, 2l, nse
Time: 1m 12.23s (slow by 2.53s)

Fairyland wins in a photo-finish from The Mackem Bullet

Fairyland
© Caroline Norris

Fairyland and The Mackem Bullet fought out a terrific duel in the final furlong with Brian Ellison’s 25-1 outsider The Mackem Bullet looking as though she might just win the battle.

However, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Fairyland, who had been up front throughout battled on bravely for Ryan Moore and got the verdict by a nose. Queen Jo Jo was two lengths away in third place.

The disappointment of the Group Two heat was Angel’s Hideaway, who faded out of contention after being short of room when the race hotted up in the final quarter-mile. 

O’Brien said: “We were very happy with her at Ascot (third in Albany Stakes), but she was under the weather in between.

“I’m delighted with her. She did get headed so it was great to see her battle back. Ryan said she had a blow two (furlongs) out, which was understandable.

“She’s a lovely filly and that (Cheveley Park) is the way we’ll be heading.

“I would imagine usually if they are good enough they’d get a mile, and she’s a big, rangy filly – she looks more like a three-year-old than a two-year-old.”

O’Brien also commented further on the virus that has afflicted his yard in recent weeks.

He said: “It was in all of our three yards. It was as bad as we’ve had at Ballydoyle.

“I think we’re at the other side of it now, though, and the year is not over yet, but if there is a relapse the season is over.”

Ellison said of his gallant filly: “He (Ben Robinson) gave her a great ride, I’m delighted.

“She definitely got to the front and then just got nabbed on the line. After the line she was back in front.

“We came here a big price today and she shouldn’t have been after her Ascot run. She’s improved again.

“We actually sold her after Ascot to go to America, she passed the vet and I stopped training her for a week, but then they pulled out of the sale.

“I think she’ll be even better over seven furlongs and a mile. We’re chuffed, it’s great to take part in a race like this.”

Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Group 2)
£225,000 added, 2yo only, 6f, Class 1
9 ran
Going: Good to Firm, Good in places