Sky Lantern returned to the scene of her Classic success and left Newmarket with another Group One after a stylish win in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes.
The race was billed as a rematch with Elusive Kate, who beat Richard Hannon’s Sky Lantern in the Falmouth Stakes in controversial circumstances, but John Gosden’s filly ran way below par.
It was Integral who gave Sky Lantern (7-4 favourite) the most to think about as she hit the front a furlong out, but Sky Lantern once again illustrated her electric turn of foot to win by a length.
Jamie Spencer attempted to make all on Just The Judge, who finished second to Sky Lantern in the Guineas earlier in the season, but Elusive Kate, Duntle and Integral all looked ready to pounce.
Elusive Kate began to drift left on the quick ground, however, and Integral burst clear under Ryan Moore.
For a few strides Sky Lantern looked in a little bother but once Richard Hughes pressed the button, the grey scooted clear to win her fourth Group One.
Hughes said: “She was very good today and she deserved that.
“She stumbled once or twice in the race and she was totally asleep, but at the three-pole she came alive.
“My only worry was not getting involved with Elusive Kate again, but luckily enough she drifted just after I quickened.�
Richard Hannon jnr, son and assistant to his father, said: “It’s great to see her back. Her reputation wasn’t tarnished but she got beaten after the Guineas so I’m very pleased.
“She and Elusive Kate are two great fillies and let’s hope their rivalry continues. I still think she’ll get a mile and a quarter and we might look at that again next year.
“The owner lives in Hong Kong and that is where he wants to go.�
Sir Michael Stoute said of Integral: “I’m delighted, she’s progressing well.
“She won’t run again this season but she’ll stay on next year.�
David Wachman said of the third, Duntle: “She’s run a good race, you’ve got to be happy enough and there are no excuses. It depends what the owners want to do, I’m open to suggestions.�