By Sean Cronin
LIMATO (IRE), g, 5, Tagula (Ire)–Come April (GB), by Singspiel (Ire).
O-Paul G Jacobs; B-Seamus Phelan (IRE); T-Henry Candy; J-Harry Bentley. £68,052. Lifetime Record: 19-9-5-1, £1,209,227.
Limato had been winless in five starts since annexing last term's G1 Prix de la Foret at Chantilly, but punters retained the faith and sent last year's G1 July Cup hero off as the 6-4 chalk for Friday's G2 Challenge S. at Newmarket despite reverses in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile, G1 Al Quoz Sprint, G1 Diamond Jubilee S., G1 July Cup and Aug. 1 G2 Lennox S. at Goodwood last time. The bay accepted a tow and travelled sweetly in the stands' side group after a sharp getaway and raced off a solid pace set by clear leader Gifted Master (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) until beyond halfway. Making smooth headway to loom large passing the two pole, he seized control at the foot of the hill and powered clear under mild coaxing on the climb to the line to outclass overmatched rivals in a hot renewal of this contest. Massaat (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) was 3 1/2 lengths inferior on this occasion with veteran journeyman Gordon Lord Byron (Ire) (Byron {GB}) defying odds of 66-1 to finish 1 1/2 lengths adrift in third.
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