A fine front-running performance saw Torcedor (6g Fastnet Rock – Magnolia Lane, by Sadler’s Wells) run out a five length winner of the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot.

A Group 3 winner and twice second to champion stayer Order Of St George last season, he didn’t find Meydan to his liking on his racecourse return in March, but looked back to his best at Ascot. Ridden to lead by Colm O’Donoghue, he extended his advantage from halfway and was sent for home over three furlongs out. His rivals did their best to rein in his lead, but Torcedor was not for catching, staying on to score by five lengths. 

O’Donoghue later commented, “Torcedor was the class horse of the race and if he ran to three-quarters of his best I thought he’d beat those horses today. He’s from the same family as Yeats and has that great body to him. Hopefully it’s all systems go to the Gold Cup.”

The Barronstown Stud-bred Torcedor was bought by Te Akau Racing and BBA Ireland at the Arqana Yearling Sale. His dam, Magnolia Lane, is a full-sister to the top-class stayer Yeats, and a half-sister to Japanese Group 1 performer Tsukuba Symphony and Group 2 winner Solskjaer.