Bay Bridge powers to stunning Brigadier Gerard Stakes victory at Sandown

Thursday: Coral Brigadier Gerard Stakes, Sandown

Sir Michael Stoute, already the custodian of Cazoo Derby favourite Desert Crown, unleashed another top-notch prospect in the shape of Bay Bridge, who gave the resurgent trainer a record 11th win in the Group 3 Coral Brigadier Gerard Stakes.

The archetypal improving older horse from the Stoute yard, Bay Bridge progressed through the handicap ranks last season before rounding off his season with a Listed win at Newmarket in October.

Thrust into Group company for the first time at Sandown, Bay Bridge knocked the eye out in the paddock before leaving racegoers cooing with pleasure as he lengthened away from 6-5 favourite Mostahdaf to record a five-length success under Ryan Moore.

Watch again: Bay Bridge impresses in Brigadier Gerard at Sandown

Stoute, perhaps keeping a close watch over Desert Crown as the Derby favourite's date with destiny creeps closers, was absent but breeder James Wigan, who owns the winner in partnership with Ballylinch Stud, was quite rightly eyeing Group 1 targets.

Sponsors Coral boosted the winner to the head of the Eclipse market at 4-1 but the Prince of Wales's at Royal Ascot looks like being next, with Paddy Power going 5-1 (from 10) for the 1m2f Group 1 on June 15.

"He's such a big, strong boy," said Wigan. "We rather thought in the paddock that he looked as though he might need the race but we've always thought a lot of him and Sir Michael has always been very complimentary about him."

Top Sandown winner Bay Bridge holds a Royal Ascot entry in the 1m4f Hardwicke StakesCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Backed into 7-4 having opened at 9-4, there was no lack of confidence behind the winner as far as punters were concerned and Bay Bridge was always in control as he took his winning sequence to five.

As well as the Prince of Wales's Stakes, Bay Bridge holds a Royal Ascot entry in the 1m4f Hardwicke Stakes but Wigan could see no reason to step up in trip at this stage.

He added: "We'll obviously have to see what Sir Michael thinks but I'd be inclined to stick to a mile and quarter at present. He's beaten some good horses in a good race today. Ryan said he showed a great turn of foot and it's very exciting."

Moore, winning the race for a seventh time, said: "He seems to have stepped forward every time and you'd be hopeful he will carry on doing that. He's entitled to [go for a Group 1], he beat some very solid horses there, so hopefully there's plenty to look forward to."

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