One-Two in Summer mile as Arod beats Spear

Jockey Andrea Atzeni kept his urgings to hands and heels on four-year-old Arod, but it might have required a firmer drive had Lightning Spear gained a clear run soon after turning into the straight. While Arod sailed clear along the rail, Lightning Spear had to find room between horses. In the circumstances it was a highly praiseworthy effort by the runner-up, who was losing his unbeaten tag on his fifth run, but proved he is far more than a talented handicapper.

Quoted in today's Racing Post, trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam said of the winner: "Sheikh Fahad and David Redvers have allowed me to be very patient with Arod. I wanted to come here but at some stage I'm going to have to drop back into a Group One [he was third in the Lockinge Stakes when last tested at that level] and he could go for the Sussex Stakes next."

Chapple-Hyam added that Arod could then be prepared for a trip to Australia for the Cox Plate and Mackinnon Stakes.

Peace And War added to a good day for Qatar Racing when second of eight runners in the Gr.3 Delaware Oaks. Now trained in the USA by Graham Motion, having formerly been in the care of Olly Stevens, Peace And War was beaten a length and three-quarters by winner Calamity Kate.

Qatar Racing's new recruit Mr Owen runs in Chantilly's Gr.1 Prix Jean Prat (16.45 - 15.45 UK time) this afternoon. Third to Makfi's son Make Believe in the Gr.1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains, he is trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by Christophe Soumillon.