Ballet hits Concerto pitch at Salisbury

Ballet Concerto demonstrated his battling qualities as he gained a hard-fought success in the totepool Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury.

Having claimed the John Smith's Cup on his previous start, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old took the drop back to a mile and step up to Group Three company in his stride.

Isomer set the early gallop while Ballet Concerto was kept handy throughout by Ryan Moore, who delivered the 5-2 shot to make his challenge deep inside the final furlong.

Forcing through a passage close to the rail, the son of Dansili got up almost on the line to deny favourite Tabarrak by a neck, with Carry On Deryck a further short-head back in third.

"There was a lack of pace but I was happy to do anything," Moore told Racing UK.

"Isomer was quick away and was able to steady and the Godolphin horse was able to hold me there.

"He travelled very well and he has a good turn of foot. It was always a matter if he had room he would quicken and luckily he got out in time."

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, said: "It was a good performance and an even better ride from Ryan. He jumped out and was prepared to lead, but after half a furlong disputing it, he let the pace of the race settle him in.

"The ground was plenty fast enough for him. There was plenty of pace in the race which helped him, as we know he is probably better over a mile and a quarter and he is certainly better with more cut in the ground.

"There wasn't too much worry over the trip as he won a competitive handicap at Doncaster over a mile in the spring.

"When they took Hathal out, he was going to take all the beating as he was bordering on being a Group Three horse coming into the race.

"I think a mile and a quarter is probably his better trip, but it depends what company he is in. I don't know what Sir Michael Stoute has in store for him."