Bandari denies Sulamani bid

Bandari bounced back after a disappointing Royal Ascot campaign to land the Group 2 Princess Of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket yesterday.

Ridden in copy-book style by Richard Hills, the five-year-old unleashed a late burst to deny Godolphin's Sulamani by half-a-length for his 10th career success and third this season. The winner is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry.

Bandari's success brought the smiles back for trainer Mark Johnston, who on Tuesday suffered a major setback when his unbeaten filly Attraction tasted her first defeat in the Famouth Stakes (Gr 1).

Bandari is now expected to take his chance in the King George (Gr 1) at Ascot on July 24.

Johnston said: "I would hate him to be a nearly horse who can't find a place at stud. He has real ability and he has beaten good horses today. He is certainly entitled to take his chance there.

"We just need that all-important Group 1 for him now and hopefully it will be this season."

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor blamed the firm ground for Sulamani's defeat.

"It does not suit him. If it was soft he would have run much better."

Results

Princess Of Wales's Cantorodds.Com Stakes (Group 2) 3yo+ (1m 4f):
1. Bandari 12-1 (trained by M Johnston) R Hills; 2. Sulamani 11-8 Fav (S. bin Suroor) F. Dettori; 3. High Accolade 6-1 (M. Tregoning) Martin Dwyer; 4. Magistretti 10-3 (N Callaghan) D Holland.
Distances: 1/2length, 1 1/2.
Winning time:02:32.900