Black Heart Bart’s Railway Stakes ambitions took another giant step forward when he scored a thrilling win in the Group 3 Northerly Stakes (1420m) at Ascot today.
The $2 favourite, ridden by Glenn Smith, unleashed a strong finishing burst from the tail of the field to snatch victory by a nose over gallant runner up, Wink And A Nod.
Resonates, who gave plenty of cheek up in front for jockey, William Pike, stuck on well for third, beaten one length,
Balmont Girl, who ran 34.13sec. for the final 600m, the fastest of the race, ran an eye-catching fourth.
My Sister Lil, in her first attempt at Group company, hit the line hard for fifth.
Hazzabeel, who couldn’t maximise a rails run when it presented and Fuchsia Bandana, racing outside of the leader, finished sixth and seventh respectively.
Black Heart Bart, prepared by Vaughn Sigley, claimed the second leg of a feature double after taking out the Listed Birthday Stakes (1200m) on his return at Belmont a fortnight ago.
“It was an exciting race and he knows how to win,” said Sigley.
“He didn’t blow out a candle out there today and he is on the right path.
“I think he is there fitness wise and we don’t have to worry about that too much now.
“It’s fallen our way so far so I hope we can keep our luck.”
Meanwhile Perfect Reflection underlined her class when she maintained her unbeaten record in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m).
In the hands of William Pike, the More Than Ready filly rallied from ninth position at the turn to defeat stable mate Arcadia Dream by 1 ¼ lengths with Blackwood third.
Perfect Reflection, who has yet to taste defeat in three starts, gave trainer Grant Williams and owner, Bob Peters, their third consecutive win in the Belgravia Stakes.
“I liked this one and she was my pick early in the season,” said Peters.
“The way she looks and walks past you it makes your heart flutter.
“She is good.”
Julio Santarelli
RWWA