30-05-07

Allegretto reaped the benefits of a first-time visor to win the WBX.COM Henry II Stakes at Sandown.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Seb Sanders, the chestnut filly was a disappointing fifth in the Yorkshire Cup on her penultimate start.

But the headgear clearly worked the oracle as Sanders drove his partner up the Esher hill to score at odds of 12-1.

Allegretto fared best from an intriguing tussle with Balkan Knight inside the final two furlongs once favourite Tungsten Strike faded in his quest for back-to-back victories in the Group Two event.

While David Elsworth's runner-up deserves credit for a dour staying performance, he could not match the finishing kick of the winner, who had three-quarters of a length in hand at the line.

VC Bet cut Allegretto from 40-1 to 20-1 for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, while totesport go the same price from 33s.

Chris Richardson, managing director for Allegretto's owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: "That was fantastic - she's so game. She stayed every yard of the trip. She does nothing at home and there's not a lot of her, but she's so tough.

"I was slightly concerned about the ground, but she travelled so well and the visor has obviously made a difference."