Lacken Stakes: Bucanero Fuerte underlines Royal Ascot claims

saw off all comers to make a successful start to his campaign in the Goffs Lacken Stakes at .

Adrian Murray’s Wootton Bassett colt proved himself at the very highest level as a juvenile last season, winning the Group Two Railway Stakes and the Group One Phoenix Stakes at the as well as finishing third in the Coventry at Royal Ascot.

He was well beaten by Henry Longfellow on his final start of 2023 in the National Stakes in September, but proved he retains plenty of ability with a determined front-running display on his comeback.

Dropping back to six furlongs at Group Three level, 2-1 shot Bucanero Fuerte was on the pace from the off in the hands of and with the stands’ rail to help, he stuck to his guns deep inside the last of six furlongs to repel the late thrust of 5-4 favourite Givemethebeatboys by a head.

Paddy Power left the winner’s odds for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot next month unchanged at 8-1, but Coral cut him to 6-1 from the same price.

Robson Aguiar, Murray’s assistant and representing Amo Racing, said: “He’s a very nice horse and a very special horse for us, our first Group One for us, and every time he has run he has run well. 

"Last time he ran he was sock, so that;s why he didn't run well, but every other time he was in good order and he's special for us."

Aguiar, who rides Bucanero Fuerte every day at home, added: "He's a very honest horse - you see today, long time without a run and I hadn't been hard on him in his work.

"I think that race will put him in the right place and I think he is going to improve a lot from today. 

“He will go over six furlongs at Ascot. He has great speed and he stays well, so that is the plan for him now.”