Del Maro edged out of G2 Queen’s Vase

Del Maro emerged as a possible St Leger contender as he went down by a nose to Limestone in a gripping finish to the G2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, 17 June.

Stepping up in class and trip after going down by the same margin in a Goodwood Listed race, the Charlie Appleby-trained colt lacked some of the early pace of his rivals and was steadied in second-last of the 11 runners by William Buick.

Del Maro started to make inroads when the field closed on the pace-setting Ranga Tang entering the straight and stayed on strongly after being switched down the inside rail over a furlong and a half out.

Ranga Tang continued to make a bold bid from the front, with Limestone and Del Maro eventually collaring the long-time leader on both sides well inside the final half furlong.

Del Maro and Limestone Lad went clear and flashed by the post together, with the Godolphin runner missing out by the narrowest of margins in the 14-furlong contest.

Charlie Appleby said: “Del Maro is a nice staying type. His pedigree suggested that he would stay, so we rode him to come home and that is what he has done. He has really tried and I think you have to treat him as a potential St Leger horse.”