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Marie's Rock just denied Listed success on the Flat as Entrancement produces career best under Oisin Murphy

Entrancement (right) edges out Marie's Rock in the Listed Beckford Stakes at Bath
Entrancement (right) edges out Marie's Rock in the Listed Beckford Stakes at Bath Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

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.

Action from the 5f handicap at Bath won by Sisters In The Sky
Action from the 5f handicap at Bath won by Sisters In The SkyCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

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.


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