Aberama Gold ran out an authoritative winner of the coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes at York.
A field of 12 juveniles went to post for the six-furlong Listed contest and much of the pre-race attention was on the previously unbeaten Lampang, who was an even-money chance to complete his hat-trick for Tim Easterby.
However, the warning signs were out for favourite backers from an early stage as a tardy start immediately put him on the back foot and he never threatened to land a telling blow.
Turning out just seven days after finishing fourth at 66-1 in the Redcar Two Year Old Trophy, the Keith Dalgleish-trained Aberama Gold was a 10-1 shot in the hands of Shane Gray and travelled powerfully for much of the way.
Ventura Lightning came from out of the pack to throw down a challenge late on, but Aberama Gold never looked in serious danger of being caught and passed the post three-quarters of a length to the good.
“I didn’t actually want to be where I was. It’s a long way out (to be in front) – two furlongs in that sort of ground for two-year-olds. It’s very sticky,” said Gray.
“There’s still plenty of running in him, he’s got a great attitude.”
