Joy for Spencer at Kempton
Jamie Spencer wasted little time in getting on the board on Kempton's American themed night with a pillar-to-post victory on What Katie Did.
Stall two for the six-furlong Churchill Downs Incorporated Handicap was assumed to be the kiss of death, but Milton Bradley's 11-4 favourite made light of it and flew from the traps.
The pair preserved their lead to the line, although Peopleton Brook was closing rapidly and was only beaten by a nose in the end.
"You've usually got no chance from there, but he broke so quickly and got to the front using no energy at all," said Spencer.
"I would have been beaten in another stride, though."
The evening might just have witnessed a smart horse in one of the other races as Dunes Queen made an encouraging first appearance of the year in the digibet.com Maiden Stakes.
Sent off at odds-on when third on her debut last October and 4-9 here, the daughter of Queen's Logic has the right breeding and only needed to be pushed out by Tony Culhane to beat Lighthearted by three and a half lengths.
Trainer Mick Channon may now point her to a Guineas trial.
"I would think we'd do that," he said. "She's still very green and will be better for a race or two, especially on decent ground.
"She has the pedigree to be good - we'll have to see how we go.
"I know Jaber Abdullah (owner) will be keen to have a go at the big races."
Stan James advanced a quote of 33-1 for their 1000 Guineas, with William Hill going 50s.
