Phoenix Thoroughbreds talented gelding Deja is likely to take his place in the Ebor at York after an impressive victory in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock.
Narrowly denied at Royal Ascot in the Duke Of Edinburgh handicap on his seasonal bow, the Peter Chapple-Hyam trained gelding stepped up on that to claim the prestigious prize by just over a length.
Riding the lightly raced five-year-old for the first time, Harry Bentley was content to take his time anchoring Deja towards the rear of the field. Enjoying the soft under-hoof conditions the son of Youmzain travelled strongly and moved into contention inside the final three furlongs.
The decisive move came at the furlong marker when Bentley asked his partner to go and win the race. He picked up nicely to hit the front and despite idling a little once there, he always looked as if he had enough in hand to claim victory
Chapple-Hyam said of the success:
“I’m very pleased for everyone concerned.
“It was a bit of a slog out there and once he hit the front he almost pulled himself up.
“I think there’s plenty more to come from him and the plan is to go to the Ebor next.”