Jockey Frankie Dettori was looking forward to Royal Ascot following a commanding two length victory for 15/8 favourite Baitha Alga in the Listed Investec Woodcote Stakes at Epsom Downs this afternoon.
The two-year-old was always handy behind pace setter Mambo Paradise and showed an impressive turn of foot to put the race to bed a furlong out.
"I thought he had a great chance before the race and he's done it very well," said Dettori.
"He showed good speed to get into a decent position early on and quickened nicely when I asked him. He's very professional and getting better with every run.
"He was a bit green when he was beaten on his debut but showed good speed and class to get himself out of trouble last weekend at Chester.
"We thought he needed a bit more experience before he headed to Royal Ascot which is why we've come here. He's got options at the Royal meeting and I'd imagine he'll be entered in most of the two-year-old races."
Dettori also explained why he didn't do one of his traditional flying dismounts after the race.
"I broke my toe five weeks ago when I banged it against the stalls at Warwick and, while it feels ok at the moment, I didn't really want to risk it with Royal Ascot round the corner.
"The last thing I need with so many good rides coming up is to have to ice my toe for the next couple of weeks!"
Recent Chester winner Baitha Alga grabbed today's Listed Investec Woodcote Stakes on his way to Royal Ascot.
The Frankie Dettori-ridden son of Fast Company scored comfortably, and has options at two distances when the Royal Meeting takes place the week after next.
Trainer Richard Hannon said: "We could go five or six [furlongs] at Royal Ascot, although the Coventry Stakes [over the longer trip] would be my preference at this stage. He did it well there - he hasn't had long since his last race, but we do nothing but just canter him between races.
"He's a very nice horse with a big future and a good attitude. He went left-handed at Chester, and while it hasn't got the undulations of Epsom it's pretty similar and he showed he had a lot speed. We had quite a few in this race, but some owners preferred to wait for Royal Ascot, which is fine, but with this horse we felt why not take it on the way?
"He's great at home, good as gold and very likeable. A great horse to take to Royal Ascot."
Both Ballymore Castle and Red Icon finished with a wet sail in the Listed Investec Woodcote Stakes but not quickly enough to catch the winner Baitha Alga.
Ballymore Castle's trainer Richard Fahey commented: "By the time he got going it was all over but I'm pleased with him, he is still a baby. I'm not sure where we'll go now. I'll chat to the owners."
Tom Dascombe, trainer of Red Icon, added: "I'm pleased with him, he's run a good race. His Chester form has been franked with Ballymore Castle finishing second.
"We'll give him a little break, he won't be going to Ascot. We'll step him up in trip as he'll get seven furlongs."
