Royal Ascot 2018: Aljazzi storms clear to win the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes
Marco Botti's filly goes one better having finished second in the race last year
ALJAZZI was second in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes 12 months ago but went one better this year when blowing her rivals away.
The five-year-old was denied by French challenger Qemah last season but was a class above the opposition under William Buick this time, giving Marco Botti his first Royal Ascot winner.
She was dropped out towards the tail of the field as Billesdon Bess cut out the early running.
The 7-4 favourite Hydrangea was well positioned under Ryan Moore, but she was quickly in trouble as the field entered the final two furlongs.
Tribute Act caught the eye cutting through the field under Adam Kirby, but she was soon brushed aside by the late charge of Aljazzi.
She was three and three quarter lengths clear of Tribute Act at the line, with Wilamina back in third.
ROYAL ASCOT LIVE Don't miss out on all the latest tips, odds and news ahead of Ascot
Winning trainer Botti said: "We've been so close so many times, it's just nice to have one a Royal Ascot winner on the board.
"William gave her a great ride and she showed a great turn of foot."
"We came last year hoping for a place, she was 50-1 and ran a huge race.
"This year we were a little bit more confident."
How to claim your FREE £10 bet
1
2 Bet £5 or more
3 Sun Bets will stick a £10 bet in your account
Buick, who has now ridden two winners at the Royal meeting, added: "The race worked out perfectly.
"This is a track this filly excels at.
"When I hit the halfway mark she really came alive beneath me.
"Let's hope she can get an elusive Group One next to her name."
LATEST IN HORSE RACING
