Nelson In Command Of Eclipse

Jul 6 2008 By Robin Weir

BALLYDOYLE'S Group One bandwagon is on an unstoppable roll and Mount Nelson scaled the heights to land the Eclipse

Johnny Murtagh brought Aidan O'Brien's colt with a pulsating run to challenge favourite Phoenix Tower (5-2) below the distance.

The two went at it hammer and tongs up the Sandown hill before 7-2 shot Mount Nelson stuck his head in front to win an epic battle by a whisker.

Pipedreamer, a 4-1 chance, was a length away in third after twice being denied a clear run.

Delighted Murtagh said: "We've got some marvellous horses and this is another one.

"I know people might be saying this isn't the strongest Group One but try winning one.

"They went a nice pace and we got to the front but he idled a bit so I'd say there would be a bit more to come from Mount Nelson."

Henry Cecil, the runner-up's trainer, said: "Phoenix Tower just got headed on the line. I think he put his head back in front of the other horse again but Mount Nelson just came back.

"Phoenix has run a blinder and he's in everything now but we haven't decided what to do yet." Earlier, trainer Mark Johnston enjoyed a welcome return to the big time as Lovelace sprung an 18-1 surprise in the £100,000 toteswinger Stakes.

Jockey Jimmy Fortune stayed calm and collected to pick his way through the field and arrive on the scene at just the right time.

Ace Of Hearts and Masaalek were also in the mix but Lovelace stuck his head out to score by over a length. Scot Johnston said: "We took him to Singapore in May but that was a mistake. Jamie Spencer rode himfrom the front last year but said he would love to hold him up and it worked."

At Haydock, Anna Pavlova conceded weight all round but still cruised home in the Lancashire Oaks.

The Richard Fahey-trained 5-2 joint-favourite travelled kindly for Paul Hanagan and gradually cut her way through the field. The winner passed the post with three and a quarter lengths to spare over the other joint jolly, Irish challenger Ezima.

Mad Rush turned a tricky looking Old Newton Cup into a procession.

Once Seb Sanders sent the Luca Cumani-trained 5-2 favourite into the lead over two furlongs from home the result was never in doubt.