Dahlia Stakes: Dank takes Group 3 prize

Ryan Moore hit the mark aboard Dank.

Dank may have booked her ticket to Royal Ascot after claiming a thrilling renewal of the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket...

Sir Michael Stoute's filly was a 5.39/2 shot to clinch the second Group Three prize of her short career, with the market headed by Shirocco Star, runner-up in both the English and Irish Oaks last season.

Saturday's course winner Boonga Roogeta led for the early part of the race as she chased an audacious 24-hour double, but soon gave way to Thistle Bird.

The latter was tackled by Dank and Chigun heading inside the final furlong and that pair soon asserted to fight it out.

Dank and Ryan Moore looked to have won the argument, but Chigun came back tenaciously under Tom Queally to almost join her on the line.

The judge called Dank the winner by a short head.

Thistle Bird ran with credit in third, but Shirocco Star was a disappointing fifth.

Moore, who rode in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday evening, said: "She's very honest and stayed on very well.

"She's probably not quite there yet, either."

Successful owner-breeder James Wigan said: "I'm very proud of her and she's from a great old mare.

"To be able to continue the line is very satisfying."

Asked whether the Windsor Forest Stakes at Royal Ascot could be on the agenda, Wigan said: "It's a possibility.

"Ryan says she stays well and will get a mile and a quarter, so we'll see what Sir Michael says."

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