Brave Bangkok Continues Red Hot Form Of Australia

Bangkok (5h Australia - Tanaghum, by Darshaan) dug deep to prevail in a thrilling finish to Saturday’s Group 2 York Stakes; marking a fourth Stakes success for the Andrew Balding-trained bay.

Returning to his preferred ten furlong trip, he was ridden to track the leaders by David Probert and produced his challenge approaching the final furlong. Running on strongly under pressure, he showed a terrific will to win to beat Royal Ascot winner Juan Elcano by a head, relegating hot-favourite Mohaafeth to third.

Balding was full of praise for the winner, saying, “He's so tough and consistent, and talented at the same time, so it's lovely to win a nice race with him.” Connections may now consider supplementing Bangkok for the Juddmonte International, though his trainer mentioned overseas targets in the autumn.

Owned by King Power Racing, Bangkok was bought by Sackville Donald as a yearling for 500,000gns from breeder Barronstown Stud. He becomes Australia’s second Group winner of the week, with Point Lonsdale (Australia) having extended his unbeaten record in Thursday’s Group 3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown, while Order Of Australia (Australia) landed the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes on Sunday.