There was no denying Fox Legacy’s class on Saturday as the four-year-old made a dominant statement in the feature event at Goodwood. With a commanding five-and-a-half-length victory in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Stakes 2025, the rising star laid down a serious marker for autumn Group company.
Trained by Andrew Balding and ridden with confidence by Oisin Murphy, Fox Legacy made light work of a competitive nine-furlong field that included the likes of 113-rated Liberty Lane and 109-rated Socialite. Travelling powerfully throughout, the son of Lope de Vega quickened clear approaching the final furlong to claim his third win in four starts since switching from Sir Michael Stoute’s yard.
Fox Legacy Shines Bright in Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Stakes 2025
The race served as a pivotal moment in Fox Legacy’s progressive campaign, confirming his readiness for tougher assignments in Stakes company. His final margin over second-placed Jeff Koons (8/1) was emphatic, with Socialite and favourite Liberty Lane trailing further behind despite their lofty ratings.
“He’s versatile, handled the ground, and probably improved for the softer going,” said Murphy. “King Power have been wonderful supporters, and it’s special to deliver for them on a big day like the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Stakes 2025.”
Trainer Balding is now weighing options for Fox Legacy’s next step, with Group targets under consideration after such a dominant showing in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Stakes 2025.
Meanwhile, connections of Jeff Koons were equally encouraged by the performance. “He’s handled the ground well,” said Wathnan Racing’s advisor Richard Brown. “We’ll consider France or Qatar after this. He’s already a Qatar Derby winner, and he’s proven today that he can mix it again.”
Ardisia Bounces Back in Hawes & Curtis Nursery Handicap
On a day where form was rewarded, Ardisia (20/1) returned to the winner’s circle for Hugo Palmer in the six-furlong Hawes & Curtis Nursery Handicap. Delivered perfectly by David Probert, the son of Ardad overcame a troubled season marked by slow starts and poor luck to deny favourite Shaman Champion by a neck.
Palmer was visibly relieved: “He’s been his own worst enemy, missing the break in races like the Lily Agnes and Windsor Castle. But we finally saw what he’s capable of when he jumps on terms.”
Third-placed Old Is Gold, trained by Anna Lisa Balding, was also eye-catching, finishing just three-quarters of a length off despite racing keen early.
Probert added, “The blindfold and stalls tactics worked well today. He handled the ground, stayed the extra furlong, and once the gap opened, he surged through smartly.”
Push The Limit Lands Coral Pipped At The Post Winners Handicap
The closing feature, the 11-furlong Coral Pipped At The Post Winners Handicap, went the way of the consistent Push The Limit, who defied top weight to win under hands-and-heels riding from Rossa Ryan. The 5/2 favourite, trained by Ralph Beckett, took control two furlongs out and comfortably held off Ammes and Bullet.
Beckett was pleased with the effort: “He needed juice in the ground, and we’ve been waiting for these conditions. We nearly got balloted out, so it’s a relief to see it all come together. He’s heading to valuable handicaps in September.”
Notably, the same race has been won in past years by subsequent Group 1 performers like Poet’s Word and Walton Street, giving Push The Limit an illustrious benchmark.
Each of Saturday’s major winners showed both promise and polish, with Fox Legacy’s emphatic win in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Stakes 2025 the clear highlight. With autumn targets looming, the cards are falling into place for several exciting campaigns.
Fox Legacy’s win capped another exciting day at Goodwood, following Jm Jungle’s gritty triumph in the
King George Qatar Stakes 2025.
Read our full recap of that thrilling Group 2 finish.
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