Murtagh strikes with Bushranger

Jockey Johnny Murtagh won his 19th Group One race of the season as he guided Bushranger to victory in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

The 15-8 favourite entered the 2,000 Guineas picture with a convincing triumph for trainer David Wachman.

Meanwhile, 4-1 favourite Serious Attitude won the Cheveley Park Stakes for trainer Rae Guest.

The filly, ridden by Jimmy Fortune, confirmed herself as a leading 1,0000 Guineas candidate with a fine victory.

Earlier Eagle Mountain made a winning return when breaking the mile track record in in the Nayef Joel Stakes.

Wachman said Bushranger, a Coolmore Stud-owned son of Danetime, will have no problem staying further distances.

"He won very easily and is getting better as the year goes on," said Wachman.

"He stays well and has plenty of options. He could come back here for the Dewhurst, America for the Breeders' Cup is a possibility but we'll have to see what fits in but he has now won two Group Ones."

Guest's confidence in supplementing his filly Serious Attitude for the race was justified by her performance.

The daughter of Mtoto dug deep for a half-length success over Aspen Darlin with Pursuit Of Glory a fast-finishing third.

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"Two-year-old fillies are what we known for, and she cost nothing," said Guest.

"Hopefully we'll go for the Guineas but she's got so much speed I'm not sure whether she'll stay."

32Red.com Cheveley Park Stakes 6f

1 Serious Attitude 4-1 fav
2 Aspen Darlin 12-1
3 Pursuit of Glory 5-1
16 ran. Dist: ½, ¾

Shadwell Middle Park Stakes 6f

1 Bushranger (J Murtagh) 15-8 fav
2 Sayif (JP Spencer) 5-1
3 Huntdown (L Dettori) 9-2
9 ran. Dist: 1¼, 2½,

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