Alice Springs is a class apart in Sun Chariot

Alice Springs was a decsive winner under Moore in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket

Alice Springs gained her second QIPCO British Champions triumph of the season when repelling the determined challenge of Always Smile in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.

In the process, she provided Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore each with their ninth triumphs in this year’s QIPCO British Champions Series.

Sent off the 13-8 favourite after victories in the Falmouth Stakes and Matron Stakes, the filly always looked the most likely winner under Ryan Moore.

“She picked up very well and she was just dossing a little bit when I got serious with her but she found a bit more,” said Moore. “She is a very good filly.”

O’Brien said: “She is an unbelievable filly. She is a real big powerhouse now. She has gone very pacey and has a lot of speed. She is a very exciting filly.

“Deauville [when well beaten] that’s the past. She travels very strong and quickens very well. She might go to America for the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

“She ran very well at Keeneland last year and is a very professional filly. She got there travelling very well. Ryan seemed to be very happy. His body language looked happy. We were delighted with her really.”

Arabian Queen tried to make all, but Always Smile and then Alice Springs swooped past.

It initially looked as if Moore was going to run out an easy winner on the market leader, but Saeed bin Suroor’s four-year-old made her pull out all the stops.

Three-quarters of a length separated them at the line, with Ervedya staying on strongly but too late in the day to claim third.

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