Andrea Atzeni rides Convey to thrilling win in Winter Derby at Lingfield

Despite the hot favourite Mutakayyef being ruled out and the race losing one of its leading lights, Convey edged out Pinzolo and Absolute Blast in a thrilling conclusion to the Group 3 All-Weather Championship Fast-Track Qualifier.

The five-year-old was trying the one mile and two furlong trip for the first time and duly gave new owner Robert Ng immediate payback for the fee he spent on the horse at Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale.

With a lack of front-runners, several contenders had chances spread across the track, including last year’s winner Grendisar, but Atzeni came with a late sweep on the outside on Convey to win by a neck, giving trainer Sir Michael Stoute a first win in the race and a first in 2017.

“I wasn’t sure he’d get the trip but Sir Michael was pretty positive he would, Atzeni said.

“It worked out perfectly from a bad draw, he travelled smoothly and saw the trip out well. He’s always had ability and could be a decent horse for the summer as well.”

Tom Marquand was aboard one of the few in the field happy to make the running, and the gallant Pinzolo nearly managed to make all for Ismail Mohammed.

The six-year-old has won three times at the track over a mile and four furlongs, but on this occasion was just unable to match the winner’s late thrust.

There was also plenty of smiles surrounding for third-placed Absolute Blast, who has been one of this winter’s all-weather success stories.

Formerly with Iain Jardine, the the five-year-old mare was having her first start for Archie Watson, saddling his first runner in a Group race, and the horse showed she still has more to offer.

As for the winner, The Coral Easter Classic on Good Friday could now be a target for Convey after this success.

There was also a close finish in Saturday’s other big race, the BetBright Chase at Kempton Park, as Pilgrims Bay produced a late surge to notch a surprise win.

Jockey James Best edged ahead on the Neil Mulholland-trained seven-year-old and held on to finish half a length clear at the line.
Double Shuffle ran on well to claim a good second, while last year’s winner Theatre Guide had to settle for third.

There was a slight hiccup in the post-race celebrations for Best as he was unseated shortly after the line, but thankfully was not injured.