'Success here is a huge thing' - Frankie Dettori and Andrew Balding combine to land valuable Nashville Derby

Bellum Justum scooped his biggest prize pot to date after he made a trip to the United States extremely worthwhile for Andrew Balding with success in the Nashville Derby. 

The Sea The Stars colt netted just over £830,000 with a smooth victory in the Grade 3 contest at Kentucky Downs on Saturday, emerging through runners under Frankie Dettori after the two-furlong pole before pulling clear to win by two and a quarter lengths from Carson's Run. 

The success was one of three on the day for Dettori, one of several big names drawn to the track for the first time to chase the riches on offer at the valuable meeting. King Power runner Bellum Justum was following up a close second in the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. 

"He absolutely flubbed the start," said Dettori, quoted by Bloodhorse. "I was way too far back, but lucky Jamie [Spencer on pacesetting Navy Seal] was so fast.

"On the back straight, I was able to make good improvement to get a slot, because I knew he would stay very well. I knew he'd gallop out to the line because he stays a mile and a half."

The Joseph O'Brien-trained Stromberg finished sixth under Dylan Browne McMonagle, one place behind Spencer on former Ballydoyle runner Navy Seal. 

Bellum Justum: winner of the Nashville DerbyCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We made a big splash of it," said Newmarket-based Adrian Beaumont, who sought to recruit European runners to the meeting through his role with the International Racing Bureau.

"It was my first time here, I can go back and explain to trainers what the track is like, what the surface is like. The fact that we had success here is a huge thing. Word of mouth is the best thing to encourage people to come."

King Power's assistant racing manager Pippa Tuthill said: "Bellum Justum has plenty of options at home, but the race looked like such a great opportunity. King Power enjoy travelling their horses. As long as the race is suitable for the horse, they're happy to go.

"It's our first time at Kentucky Downs. We could very well be back with the right horse."

Read more international news:

Dubai Honour bids for more Group 1 glory in the Grosser Preis von Baden 

'The prize-money gets to a certain point and you can't ignore it' - Richmond Stakes star Black Forza goes for $1 million payday 

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