Flann Sunna jumped into favouritism for the Gimcrack Stakes at York after showing a devastating turn of foot in maintaining his unbeaten record in the Knight Frank Conditions Stakes at Ascot.
The 15-8 joint-favourite, who had given a hint of his ability when beating Perfect Nation by three and a half lengths at Windsor, was settled by Jack Mitchell at the head of field, contesting the lead with Keep Grating.
When Mitchell pushed the button at the furlong pole the Ed and Simon Crisford-trained Blue Point colt quickly put the race to bed, pulling away from the field to come home four and three-quarter lengths clear of Mysterious Times.
The win was part of a significant across-the-card double for the Crisfords, with Senorita Bonita obliging at Newmarket.
Mitchell told Sky Sports Racing: “I really liked him the first time and obviously the George Boughey horse (Perfect Nation) is talented and he’s come out and won since.
“We weren’t going overly quick and the pace was just too slow for me, so I didn’t want to fight him, I just let him stride on. He was doing it very well in hand and he’s just got a deadly turn of foot which he used again today.”
Philip Robinson, racing manager for owners Rabbah Racing, said: “It was fantastic, I’m at York and I watched it on my phone. Very, very impressive.
“I expected him to win, but I’m a bit surprised by how well he won. It was remarkable and very, very pleased with that.
“I’ll have to speak to Simon, but I’d imagine the Gimcrack is possible.”
Paddy Power were suitably impressed installing Flann Sunna as their 7-2 favourite from 20-1 for the Gimcrack.
Kaiya Fraser and Ciarrai Abu held on by the narrowest of margins to land the JLL Handicap.
Abundant was the first to lay down his challenge but as they moved into the final furlong Fraser and Ciarrai Abu (3-1) joined him down the stands rail.
Crest Of Fire came down the middle and the pair hit the line together, with Fraser being made to sweat before the judge called Harry Eustace’s charge the winner by a nose.
Fraser said: “I’m delighted with him. He did everything right today apart from the last half-furlong, but that’s partially my fault. He travelled well into it and when I asked him he was there for me.
“My first thought was ‘I don’t know’ (if had won). I was hoping more than thinking I’d got it. ”
Hoseki (William Haggas/Luke Morris) just got up to complete a hat-trick in the Newmark EBF Fillies’ Handicap, while Golden Knight (Ed Walker/Kieran Shoemark) got the better of Gatehouse in a ding-dong battle up the straight to win the Long Harbour Handicap.