Soviet swoops for second Falmouth

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Soviet Song produced a well-timed run to win the UAE Falmouth Stakes for the second year in a row on the opening day of Newmarket's July meeting.

With 1½ furlongs to go, Soviet Song was among the back markers with a good distance to make up on leader Peeress.

But jockey Johnny Murtagh steered the James Fanshawe-trained five-year-old through the field, taking up the lead in the final stages to win comfortably.

Irish raider Alexander Goldrun was second with Peeress third.

Trainer Fanshawe admitted that the horse had looked well in training after her third place in last month's Windsor Forest Stakes at Royal Ascot at York.

"We were concerned there'd be a lack of pace, but there was never any question of changing her tactics," he said.

"That's her style and she just loved it - there's not many in training who can pick up like she can.

I think she'll improve throughout the year Soviet Song's jockey Johnny Murtagh

"She trained really well last Wednesday and flew past her lead horse, but you never can tell until you get on the racecourse.

Fanshawe is now aiming the five-year-old at the Breeders' Cup in Belmont Park later in the year.

"I'm very conscious of the fact that there are races later in the season for her and we have already talked about going to New York, but the Sussex Stakes will be next," he said.

Murtagh's decision to hold up Soviet Song was a brave one, especially as the tactic had not paid off in the previous race when Donna Blini held off fast-finishing favourite Salut d'Amour to land the Cherry Hinton Stakes.

Murtagh was on board Salut d'Amour, who did not want to go into the stalls and then looked to get a bit boxed in during the race.

But once the Royal Ascot winner found room to race, she chased down long-time leader Donna Blini, just failing to overhaul the 12-1 shot.

Spinning Queen, who also made up ground in the latter stages, was third.

Donna Blini, who is trained by Brian Meehan, marked a first Cherry Hinton success for veteran jockey Mick Kinane.

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UAE Falmouth Stakes (Group 1)
Newmarket, one mile

1 Soviet Song (J Murtagh) 7-4f
2 Alexander Goldrun (K Manning) 10-11f
3 Peeress (M Kinane) 4-1
Seven ran. Dist: 2½l, hd.

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Chippenham Lodge Stud Cherry Hinton Stakes (Group 2)
Newmarket, six furlongs

1 Donna Blini (M Kinane) 12-1
2 Salut d'Amour (J Murtagh) 10-11f
3 Spinning Queen (M Hills) 7-1
Eight ran. Dist: Nk, nk.