Giavellotto and Botti cause upset in the Yorkshire Cup

Marco Botti enjoyed a landmark first QIPCO British Champions Series winner as Giavellotto stayed on powerfully to win the Boodles Yorkshire Cup under Andrea Atzeni.

The four-year-old was placed in mid-division for the majority of the race as Quickthorn dictated the pace from the front. As the race unfolded it was Giavellotto who surged to the lead and, despite veering left in the closing stages, he was able to hold off Eldar Eldarov by half a length.

The race was a first QIPCO British Champions Series victory for Marco Botti; but despite the horse’s odds of 14/1 the trainer felt sure the horse would be in the mix.

Speaking to the Racing Post afterwards he commented; “He came here in very good order and we thought he would run a big race so I’m not surprised he won. We’ve always thought he is a proper stayer.”

Last season’s St Leger champion Eldar Eldarov did no damage at all to his Gold Cup aspirations, doing his best work in the final furlong despite not quite being able to reel in Giavellotto.

The runner-up was conceding five pounds to the winner and no doubt many spectators will feel that the extra distance in the Royal Ascot showpiece will play to his strengths.

Pre-race favourites Broome and Siskany finished third and fifth respectively; never really threatening for the lead in the closing stages.