€220,000 purchase who was then unsold for 900 guineas lands huge gamble after being backed into 11-4 from 40-1

Tony Carroll: trained HK Fourteen to win at BathCredit: Edward Whitaker

A monster gamble was landed to complete a Tony Carroll and Jack Doughty double at Bath as HK Fourteen sailed away from his rivals to win the 5½f handicap.

The four-year-old, bought for €220,000 by the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2021 then unsold at 900gns two years later, was dropping to the sprinting trip from seven furlongs.

He was heavily punted from as big as 40-1 on Wednesday evening and went off 11-4. Carroll, who is the track's leading trainer, said he had no involvement in the market move.

"He's just been learning his trade," Carroll said. "He's a big horse with a nice pedigree and he's not been rushed. We've taken it one step at a time. We're very pleased with him.

"He looked like being a seven furlong horse or a miler but the more we ran him, the less it looked likely. He's a lovely horse and I think he can go on as we're hoping to go on the all-weather with him now."

HK Fourteen had been beaten a combined 78 lengths in his four previous starts, finishing no higher than ninth and recording a peak Racing Post Rating of 49.

Carroll was full of praise for Doughty after his earlier winning ride on Mumayaz in the 5f handicap.

"Jack gave him a lovely ride," he said. "He's been consistent all year. He had a great all-weather campaign and we've been very pleased with him."

Another Greatrex winner

Warren Greatrex enjoyed his latest winner on the Flat when 12-1 shot Premier struck in the mile nursery under Finley Marsh. It was a ninth win of the year for the Lambourn trainer, who with support of his landlords Jim and Claire Bryce has more meaningfully targeted the level this year.

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The Ballydoyle battalion, including Ryan Moore on Lake Victoria, stretching their legs at Del Mar on Wednesday

The 2024 Breeders' Cup kicks off at Del Mar on FridayCredit: Edward Whitaker

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