Hidden Force back with a bang in G3 Bengough Stakes

Hidden Force opened up some exciting new opportunities over sprint distances with an impressive victory in the G3 Bengough Stakes at Ascot, UK, on Saturday, 3 October. 

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt was dropping down to six furlongs on his first outing since finishing third in April’s G3 Craven Stakes, with the Frankel homebred having started his career with a pair of all-weather wins at Kempton Park. 

Steadied towards the rear of the 11-strong field by Billy Loughnane, Hidden Force travelled kindly into the race down the stands rail and unleashed a strong turn of foot after being switched out with two furlongs to race. 

Hidden Force took up the running just inside the final furlong and hit the line powerfully to beat Prince Of India by three-quarters of a length. 

Billy Loughnane said: “Hidden Force has travelled very easily in races over a mile and seven furlongs, and he doesn’t lack gears. His work at home had been very good and I expected him to go close. 

“He had no problem with six furlongs today, although I feel he would be better going back up in trip at some stage. He is a horse with a lot of ability and it’s nice to see him getting back on the right track.”