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Hafit edged out in G2 Queen’s Vase

Racenews

Hafit was narrowly beaten into third in a Group race for a second time as he finished strongly to go down by a nose and neck in the G2 Queen’s Vase on day two of Royal Ascot, Wednesday, 15 June.

The Dubawi three-year-old, who had filled the same position in a photo-finish to last season’s G3 Godolphin Flying Start Zetland Stakes, was slow leaving the stalls and was hustled along by James Doyle to race in mid-field on the inside rail.

Hafit was angled out to challenge turning for home and started to make good headway, despite making contact with Ruler Legend at the top of the straight. Zechariah collared long-time leader Al Qareem a furlong and a half out and set sail for home, with Hafit and fellow Dubawi colt Eldar Eldarov laying down strong challenges inside the final furlong.

Eldar Eldarov headed Zechariah on the line, with the Charlie Appleby-trained Hafit also galloping out powerfully as the trio dominated the finish to the 14-furlong contest.

James Doyle said: "I’m happy with Hafit’s run. Being drawn one, we managed to get a decent position after a slow start. The ground is probably slightly quicker than he wants, and he was just lugging in a bit, but it was a good run."