Bengal Tiger got the better of Lex Victoria in a final-furlong duel to add the Group Three Hurworth Bloodstock Horris Hill Stakes at Newmarket to last weekend’s Listed success at Doncaster.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt hit the front in the hands of Sean Levey as they approached the two-furlong pole, but Lex Victoria was travelling strongly on his heels.
It soon turned into a two-horse race on the run for home as Lex Victoria refused to let 6-4 favourite Bengal Tiger have it all his own way, but ultimately he was doing enough to win by a neck.
Levey told Racing TV: “I was surprised when she (Lex Victoria) loomed up. He is the sort of horse, typical of Aidan O’Brien’s, that always have a bit in reserve. They love a battle, they love a fight.
“He just kept himself where he was, a lovely horse. It’s nice to see him go up through the trips and it looked like he wanted every yard of the seven today. He’s just a lovely type, a scopey type and a horse to look forward to next year.
“As an older horse he might stretch out to a mile. It would be nice to see him over seven in a (Classic) trial.”
The fast-finishing Haldon Pier produced an 80-1 surprise to remain unbeaten and land the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Montrose Fillies’ Stakes for Ralph Beckett and Rhys Clutterbuck.