Decorated Knight and George Baker prove too good for Portage and James Doyle© Photo Healy Racing
Portage and Decorated Knight dominated the betting for the Group 3 ICON Meld Stakes, with the Roger Charlton trained latter coming out on top.
Successful in a Listed contest at Goodwood in May, the four-year-old son of Galileo was just denied in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes at Epsom on Oaks day.
Having opened on-course at 7/4, he proved easy to back and drifted out to 9/4 at the off.
Settled towards rear by George Baker, he was sixth three furlongs out. He was pushed along to challenge on the outer with over a furlong to race, and he soon hit the front, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by two lengths.
Royal Hunt Cup winner Portage was sent off the 5/6 favourite (from evens). The Mick Halford trained colt led for majority of the contest, but he couldn't hold off the winner, and had to settle for second under James Doyle. Adool who raced in rear, kept on well to take third, a further two and a quarter lengths back under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
George Baker said afterwards: "It's my first time at Leopardstown, I've never been here before. Fran Berry gave me plenty of advice about the track and I have to thank him.
"I've sat on him at home and spoke to Andrea Atzeni, who is banned. He said he's very straight-forward now and the quick ground was a help.
"He wouldn't want to be in front too long and my plan was to sit in behind but I was going to get pushed three wide on the bend so rode him with confidence and took him back.
"He arrived very strong and quickened up well. I wouldn't say it was the strongest Group 3 but he couldn't have done it any smoother.
"I'd say Mr Charlton has a plan for him and while the ground is quick he could step up in class."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
