Group 1 target on the horizon for Delacroix after Autumn Stakes success

Aidan O'Brien landed a first Emirates Autumn Stakes when Delacroix battled home under Ryan Moore to set up a possible tilt at the Futurity Stakes at Doncaster in a fortnight's time.

In the early stages of the six-runner contest Moore had the 15-8 favourite on the shoulder of early leader Wolf Of Badenoch, who came over to the stands' rail in search of fresher ground.

After being set alight entering the Dip, Delacroix showed a pleasing change of gear to master Stanhope Gardens and was not stopping at the finish when scoring by a neck.

Paddy Power cut the winner to 8-1 (from 20) for the Futurity following the news his stablemate The Lion In Winter would miss the Doncaster race.

Part-owner Derrick Smith was celebrating an 80th birthday and his son Paul said: "Delacroix is a lovely horse and Ryan said he won with a bit in hand. With his pedigree there's no reason why he can't make up into a nice middle-distance prospect for next year."

Power also cut the son of Dubawi into 33-1 (from 50) for next year's Betfred Derby.

Redemption for Ryan

Starzintheireyes may have been responsible for the plaster on Rossa Ryan's face but the juvenile more than made up for the injury with victory in the Palace Pier Zetland Stakes. 

The Starspangledbanner colt, who headbutted Ryan during work at Ralph Beckett's yard this week, struck the the first attempt in Pattern company with a length victory over Green Storm, earning a quote of 25-1 for next year's Derby by Paddy Power. 

Rossa Ryan: sporting an injury caused by Zetland Stakes winner StarzintheireyesCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's still learning and they went a good, honest gallop the whole way," said Ryan. "On this ground I thought he'd outbattle everything if it came down to it. He's going to grow up a lot from two to three." 

Starzintheireyes is part of a promising team of juveniles for owner Marc Chan, who is also responsible for Autumn Stakes runner-up Stanhope Gardens. 

Artist leads the way

John and Thady Gosden won the opening Space Blues Darley Stakes with subsequent ten-furlong champion Mostahdaf in 2021 and this year's winner Lead Artist could have the same trip on his radar next year.

The 3-1 chance came from off a pace shared by recent Cambridgeshire winner Liberty Lane to master the eventual runner-up entering the Dip and went on to score by a length and a half from the 5-4 favourite, with Clarehaven stablemate Peaceman occupying third at odds of 20-1.

The son of Dubawi was stepping up markedly from his second in the Group 2 Park Stakes over seven furlongs at Doncaster last time and could get further in time.

Lead Artist (left) fends off favourite Liberty Lane in the Darley StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Barry Mahon, racing manager to owners Juddmonte, said: "Lead Artist has always been a high-class horse and the form of his second at Doncaster time stacked up when the winner Kinross ran so well at Longchamp last weekend. As he now has this kind of trip on his compass, this opens up other options for next year."

John Gosden said: "The Bahrain International Trophy next month may suit him well."

Read more: 

Shadow Of Light Guineas bound after landing rare Middle Park and Dewhurst double 

Alphonse Le Grande prevails in photo-finish but 33-1 shot looks set to be disqualified after rider breaks whip rules 

Top jockeys such as Ryan Moore can't do their jobs without it – and you can subscribe to Racing Post Members' Club Ultimate Monthly and get 50% off your first three months!

Available to new subscribers purchasing Members' Club Ultimate Monthly using code MEMBERS24. First three payments will be charged at £24.98, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter. To cancel please contact us at least seven days before subscription is due to renew.