Impressive Group 2 Winner Kicks Off Double For Camelot

Dancing Gemini (4c Camelot – Lady Adelaide, by Australia) was slashed in price for the Lockinge Stakes after running out a commanding winner of Friday’s Group 2 bet365 Mile at Sandown.

A Listed winner at two and runner-up in the French 2,000 Guineas at three, Roger Teal’s charge appeared better than ever when drawing clear in the Listed Doncaster Mile last month. Sent off favourite to follow up on Friday, he raced prominently under Rossa Ryan and cruised into the lead two furlongs out. Pushed along, he quickened clear a furlong later and went on to beat Group 1 winner Tamfana by a length and three quarters.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer commented: “We always thought Dancing Gemini could do what he has done today and that is why we were pitching him in all the Group races last year. Unfortunately, it was such a wet summer last year and we never got a chance.

“I was delighted to see him win like that again today. The Lockinge and the Prix d'Ispahan are the options now. We've got to get him a Group 1 and we'll do what is best for him so it's not decided yet. We'll see how the dust settles after today.”

Dancing Gemini continues owner/breeder Fishdance’s success with Camelot, having also won a Listed race with Dancing Tango (Camelot).

Earlier on the Sandown card, Tattycoram (3f Camelot – Illaunmore, by Shamardal) shaped like a smart filly when winning the ‘Wild Card’ Fillies’ Novice Stakes previously won by Emily Upjohn.

Placed on her two previous starts, the Ralph Beckett-trained bay made all of the running under Rossa Ryan and was asked to quicken two furlongs from home. Ridden a furlong later, she ran on well to beat the favourite, a previous winner, by two lengths.

“Tattycoram was always a filly we liked, a proper model and as good a homebred as you'd come across; very attractive,” Ralph Beckett later commented. “I'd say we'll play our cards on how she is in the coming weeks.

“I wouldn't rule out the Oaks entry she now has at all, but whatever we do will be with her best interests in mind rather than those of her trainer or owner. I'd love to see her at Epsom but that will depend on how she is over the next four or five weeks. We could have a look at Lingfield perhaps.”

The daughter of Camelot is owned and bred by Chasemore Farm.