Pyledriver produced a superb late surge to win the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes on day one of York‘s Ebor Festival.
The William Muir-trained three-year-old proved too strong for his rivals on Wednesday, winning by a convincing three and a half lengths from Highland Chief, while favourite Mogul had to settle for third place.
It is the second time this season that Pyledriver has caused a big Group 2 surprise, as he was also victorious in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, and Muir says he always knew his horse would be there or thereabouts on the Knavesmire.
“I knew this was a good horse,” he told ITV Racing. “I said yesterday, wherever Mogul finishes, we’ll be in front of him.
“He’s a good horse, he’s getting stronger.”
Muir was also relieved to see his ever-improving colt bounce back from a disappointing 11th-place finish in the Derby at Epsom last time out, a performance that could have rocked his confidence ahead of the Voltigeur.
“The horse never got the chance to do his best (there),” the trainer added. “For him to bounce back like he has done, he’s a horse with a real future.”
Pyledriver is now expected to get another chance in a Classic in next month’s St Leger at Doncaster.
