African too hot at Ascot

African Skies looked a 1000 Guineas contender when opening her account for Kevin Ryan and Neil Callan in the Princess Margaret Independent Newspaper Stakes at Ascot.

The 11-2 chance went down by two and a half lengths when fourth to Cuis Ghaire in the Albany Stakes over the same course and distance at the Royal meeting - but tactically things worked out for her far better in this Group Three heat.

Callan drove his mount into the lead inside the distance and the combination held Rosabee and Excellerator by a length and a neck respectively.

Ryan said: "She's done marvellously from Royal Ascot to today, and that's something a lot of two-year-olds don't manage. Physically, she's done well and she has such a great temperament. It's a muggy day but she was as cool as a cucumber."

Of future plans, the Hambleton handler added: "We'll take her home and see, but she really looks a filly for next year. What she badly needs is a step up in trip."

Trainer Vicky Haigh said of the runner-up: "I can't believe it and she went very close. If we had some give in the ground I think she would have won. She is a different horse on soft ground but when fillies are in such good form you have to run them."

George Baker was thrilled with the performance of Excellerator, who made the frame as his first ever runner in Group company, and said: "Jamie (Spencer) said that the six furlongs here is the stiffest in the country and that is what has done her.

"She is such a tough filly and has shown we aren't fools for running. She has had a tough race so we will take her home and see how she is, but Jamie was talking about the Lowther."