Drop back in trip unleashes Oxted in King’s Stand

Things haven’t been playing sailing for Oxted since a win in last year’s Darley July Cup.

A trip abroad followed by a couple of ok performances back on UK soil to start this term had connections scratching heads. But they found the key, and in emphatic style.

Racing over five furlongs for the very first time proved to be an inspired decision by his trainer Roger Teal and he raced away to an impressive victory in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Dropped out early on, Oxted looked initially to be outpaced over the shorter trip. However in the final two furlongs the gelding was galvanised by Cieren Fallon Jr. and produced a powerful run to race past leader Battaash. Cue jubilant celebrations from jockey, trainer and trainer’s son, Harry.

After the race, Cieren Fallon said “I’ve been very luck to sit on a horse like this so early in my career. I’m just lucky to sit on him on the race track.”

“They went quite quick early on, and normally he is a horse that likes to be quite handy. I didn’t panic and they’ve gone that hard I just relaxed and got him in to a nice rhythm ans just picked him up when I needed to.”

Already proven over six furlongs, the sprint division looks to be at his mercy for the remainder of the 2021 season. But a rematch with Battaash, who looked to be slightly below his best, will be one to savour.