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Angel strikes in Princess Margaret Stakes

3 minute read

Sacred Angel failed to see another rival when making all the running to land the Group 3 Bateaux London Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot.

Trainer : CHARLIE JOHNSTON
Trainer : CHARLIE JOHNSTON Picture: Steve Hart

Charlie Johnston's filly was sent off a 16/1 chance on the back of opening her account on the July Course at Newmarket and she certainly knew her job at Ascot this afternoon.

The daughter of Dark Angel jumped smartly from the gates and settled quickly into a nice rhythm under Jason Hart. The pace began to quicken approaching the two-furlong marker and Sacred Angel responded nicely to Jason Hart's urgings.

Symbology looked to mount a challenge towards the far side whilst Pretty Crystal attempted to cut the gap towards the stands side, but neither could bridge the deficit and the Charlie Johnston-trained runner stuck on well to score by three lengths.

Pretty Crystal backed up her solid fifth-place finish in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot by finishing back in second whilst Clive Cox's Symbology finished third.

Speaking with Sky Sports Racing, Charlie Johnston said: "She's a very smart filly.

There was a temptation after Newmarket to start thinking about seven, she was actually in the Star Stakes earlier in the week; at Newmarket, she hit a flat spot at halfway and I thought we were in a bit of trouble here but as soon as she hit the rising ground she powered on really strong.

William said that day you could go seven if you wanted to, but the breeder has actually sent me a text on Monday morning when they saw she was entered for the Star and said, 'I think you should be entering for the Princess Margaret and I said, 'that is the plan', the Star was a bit of a fallback.

"The ground was pretty decent at Newmarket but Dark Angel's tend to handle a bit of cut in the ground so there was some confidence there. Now she has shown she can handle slightly slower ground, which opens up more options.

"The owner sponsors the Prix Morny and he was saying straight after [this race] that he would love to go there. That's another big jump up but for every test she has been challenged with so far, she has found the answers so maybe we'll roll the dice.

"She's got a fantastic attitude, really laid back, but a scopey filly who I think will get a bit further next year."


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