Henry Ponsonby and his syndicate members are entitled to get pretty excited about First Mohican after his performance in the Infinity Tyres Handicap at York.
Once a galloping companion of Sir Henry Cecil's mighty Frankel, the chestnut has only seen the track five times in an injury-hit career. Sent off the 3-1 favourite, jockey Tom Queally seemed at pains not to give First Mohican a hard race and eased alongside Lahaag, winning by just a neck.
"Henry rang me up one day after he had worked with Frankel and said, 'This is the best horse you will ever have', which is unusual for him. He only ran once at two, had a niggle, then fractured his knee at three," said Ponsonby.
"I should think he'll go hurdling with Alan King in the autumn. He could be the next Istabraq. I haven't thought where he would go next. Maybe the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar, but that's unlikely."
Mass Rally (14-1) has been called a few names in the past but trainer Michael Dods believes he has turned over a new leaf after the sprinter charged late in the Infinity Ecosis Tyres Handicap.
Paul Mulrennan managed to overcome a wide draw in 18, smuggling Mass Rally into the pack and finishing quickly to beat 4-1 favourite Nocturn by half a length.
"He has been a bit quirky but I think the hood and the blinkers help him. Paul gave him a great ride as I was quite worried about the draw. Hopefully he might be a better horse this year and he'll be in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot. Hopefully later on we can go to Ayr for the Gold Cup," said Dods.
