German raider Axana overcomes Brexit delays to plunder Group 3 prize

German-based trainer Andreas Wohler braved the Brexit crossing delays to send his filly Axana over for the Group 3 Chartwell Fillies' Stakes, and the move paid off handsomely.

Red tape caused by Brexit can add up to four hours to travel time through the Channel Tunnel, but Wohler was wise to the problem and got his filly to the Surrey course at 4.45am on Friday morning to give her extra time to recover.

The five-year-old mare was sent for home a long way out by Jason Watson and had enough up her sleeve to hold the unlucky-in-running Bounce The Blues.

Axana (Jason Watson) wins the Group 3 Chartwell Fillies' Stakes at LingfieldCredit: Edward Whitaker

The stewards called an inquiry immediately after Axana crossed the line three-parts of a length to the good, but the result was allowed to stand.

Watson said: "She did that well and just idled a bit out in front, which is probably why they called an inquiry.

"I was thankful to be entrusted with the ride by Mr Wohler and she was the best filly on the day. As she's German-bred it was no surprise she enjoyed this ground, and I'm delighted the long trip has been worth it for connections."

Apple Tree blooming

Alan King does not train too many offspring of Galileo but prepared Inchicore to win in the 1m5f handicap under Oisin Murphy, giving owners Apple Tree Stud the first leg of a double on the card, with Sherbet Lemon later landing the Oaks trial.

Inchicore comes away from her rivals to win the 1m5f handicap under Oisin MurphyCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

A winner on heavy ground at Leicester last October, the four-year-old cut through the soft ground to easily master stablemate Green Planet.

Her pedigree will make her a popular commodity one day, and Murphy said: "Inchicore loved the ground and it's nice to ride a winner for Mr King. She's a valuable filly and any black type would be a bonus going forward."

Buick ends blank spell

William Buick had not had a winner since the previous weekend and defeats on two short-priced favourites here extended his losing run to 34.

However, the jockey ended his barren spell by steering Turn On the Charm to victory in the 7½f handicap for trainer James Fanshawe.

Dawn could be decent

Cloudy Dawn emerged as one of the nicest prospects on show when making it two wins from two starts in the 6f fillies' novice.

Although expected to win at odds of 1-4, the William Haggas-trained grey passed the line with her ears pricked and could be decent.

Winning jockey Ryan Moore said: "Cloudy Dawn has won that very well under a penalty, but it was a poor race."

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