Cosgrave finds the answer as Best Solution strikes to tee up Australian raid

Saeed Bin Suroor pulled off his second successful German Group 1 raid in the space of two weeks on Sunday, when Godolphin's Best Solution got going late to run out a thrilling winner of the Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten under a powerful McCoy-like Pat Cosgrave ride.

The Kodiac colt, who ran in last year's Derby, had produced arguably a career-best when landing the Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket last month and looked to have solid claims, but he needed all of Cosgrave's skill and strength to prevail.

Last but one turning for home, the four-year-old had work to do two furlongs out but he responded to his rider's urgings and picked up to deny fast-finishing Sound Check, as Royal Youmzain faded into third.

Top-flight European success has dried up in recent years for Bin Suroor, but he had won a Group 1 at Munich with Benbatl last month and did likewise at Hoppegarten.

The trainer could keep Best Solution on his travels, with a trip to Australia for the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup a possibility.

"All being well I think that's the plan, but I'll leave that to Saeed, who knows best," said Cosgrave, riding his fourth Group 1 winner but first since Society Rock in the 2011 Golden Jubilee Stakes.

"He's got a bit lackadaisical out of the gates and last time at Newmarket was slowly away, and it was the same again today, but I think he likes being ridden cold anyway and likes something to aim at. It worked out perfectly today.

"It was quick ground, which was a bit against him, and it was a bit rough too, while he didn't really handle the track – there are a few sharp turns on it – so I think he did well to win. It was a good performance."

Watch Best Solution win the Princess of Wales's Stakes

Cosgrave, who rode in the Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday, feels things are falling into place for the four-year-old.

He added: "I used to think he needed soft ground, but as he's got older he's got tougher and more versatile ground-wise. He seems to be improving with age.

"It's great and he's been knocking around winning Group 2s and Group 3s as well as running in Derbys and Sheema Classics; it's nice for the horse to get a Group 1 and it's a great result for the whole team."

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