Marie's Rock just denied Listed success on the Flat as Entrancement produces career best under Oisin Murphy
In conditions more akin to jump racing, two-time Grade 1-winning hurdler Marie's Rock ran a mighty race in the Listed Beckford Stakes but was ultimately just denied by Entrancement.
Having just her second start on the Flat in the 1m6f contest, the Nicky Henderson-trained Marie's Rock handled the heavy ground better than all bar the well-backed 7-2 winner, who posted a career best for trainer David Menuisier.
The first two home took each other on in the closing stages with Entrancement, a winner on heavy going at Goodwood last month, holding off the runner-up by a head under Oisin Murphy.
"She's in good form and David's horses have been flying and many of his string handle this sort of going," Murphy told Sky Sports Racing.
"David trains on woodchip and doesn't press too many buttons early doors, so he tends to have horses to race throughout the season.
"It was good placing because off her rating it was a question mark, but it paid dividends."
Murphy continued his relentless march towards a fourth jockeys' title with a double on the card, having earlier won the 5f novice on the William Knight-trained Think Of A Name.
Tubb tonic
Olivia Tubb registered her 20th victory to reduce her claim to 5lb when winning the 2m1f handicap on Russian Rumour.
The seven-year-old mare, trained by Jonathan Portman for owners Fillies First, was registering her third course success.
Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.
- Thurles: 'Thank God we're finally rolling' - John O'Donoghue continues red-hot form as smart Jareth strikes
- Ayr: 'He's been a big asset for us' - rising star Kaiya Fraser gains 307-1 hat-trick on first visit to the track
- Exeter: 'It's a fantastic initiative' - Henry Daly pivots from nerves to jubilation after Roaring Home makes valuable winning return
- Tramore: 'I think she's nice' - Colm Murphy mare on course for a crack at the race named after the best he has trained
- Kempton: 'He's a proper stakes horse' - impressive Detain cut for Group 1 after seven-length rout
- Thurles: 'Thank God we're finally rolling' - John O'Donoghue continues red-hot form as smart Jareth strikes
- Ayr: 'He's been a big asset for us' - rising star Kaiya Fraser gains 307-1 hat-trick on first visit to the track
- Exeter: 'It's a fantastic initiative' - Henry Daly pivots from nerves to jubilation after Roaring Home makes valuable winning return
- Tramore: 'I think she's nice' - Colm Murphy mare on course for a crack at the race named after the best he has trained
- Kempton: 'He's a proper stakes horse' - impressive Detain cut for Group 1 after seven-length rout