Mark Johnston enjoyed a one-two in the Sagaro Stakes at Newcastle with Nayef Road holding off the challenge of Mildenberger.
Withhold had tried to make all the running but Nayef Road was kept in touch throughout before the latter’s jockey Ben Curtis struck for home inside two furlongs.
The favourite couldn’t respond with Rainbow Dream, Prince Of Arran and Mildenberger coming from the pack to try and reel in the leader.
However, Nayef Road stuck gamely to his task to land the spoils with Mildenberger taking second, three-quarters-of-a-length back, with another length-and-a-half to Prince Of Arran in third.
Although perhaps not set in stone, Johnston looks set to send the front two to Royal Ascot for the Gold Cup.
“I’d say the first two will both go for the Gold Cup,” Jonston said. “I don’t think Mildenberger needs the all-weather, injury has meant he’s missed the last two summers and he’s run like he’ll be suited by another half a mile, they both have really.”
