Clifford Lee's decision to ride at Haydock rather than travel to Ireland for the Irish 2,000 Guineas proved a masterstroke as Venetian Sun and Night Raider delivered a stunning sprinting showcase for the jockey and trainer Karl Burke.
Delays and Track Changes
The two showcase races had to be switched to the inner track following a lengthy delay of nearly two hours after a hole was found in the outer track, which had been in use on Saturday. As a result, all races scheduled to take place on the round course were abandoned.
Venetian Sun's Triumph
The wait for the Sandy Lane Stakes proved entirely worthwhile as last year's Prix Morny winner Venetian Sun left her 1,000 Guineas disappointment firmly in the past upon returning to sprinting. The outstanding daughter of Starman, co-owned by Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom, was sent off the 7-4 favourite under a composed Lee, who always had plenty in reserve before letting her loose to display her breathtaking turn of pace.
Venetian Sun blazed to a three-length victory over closest market rival Division, with Paddy Power subsequently slashing her odds for a second Royal Ascot triumph - this time in the Commonwealth Cup having claimed the Albany last year - from 7-1 to 5-2.
Lee told ITV Racing: "She's a great filly and won me my first Group One in France last year and back to six furlongs I always thought she was the horse to beat. She was a little bit keen and I was probably a little further back than I wanted to be, but when I saw Division come upsides me and then was sort of in front, I always knew I had it in the bag. It almost caught a length out of me, but my filly came back on the bridle well and I just didn't want to be hitting the front too soon."
Night Raider's Victory
Fortune soon smiled on Lee and Burke as Night Raider built upon his winning comeback in Newmarket's Palace House Stakes to claim the Group Two William Hill Temple Stakes. Renowned for his front-running style, the 3-1 favourite was forced to demonstrate his versatility from the rear after a slightly sluggish start. Having worked his way into contention, the five year old stormed through impressively to seal a length victory over Jim Goldie's Royal Ascot hero American Affair.
Lee added: "He's a fantastic horse and it didn't really go to plan, this isn't his style of running, but once I was able to switch him, he really picked up nicely for me. It's fantastic and I can only thank the boss and the owners for giving me the opportunities. It's fantastic when you get to ride horses like this on big race days and you get winners which is fantastic."
