Royal Ascot: Mohaafeth wins at odds-on in Hampton Court; Ward entries fizzle in Norfolk

Mohaafeth did not disappoint as the odds-on favorite in the Group 2 Hampton Court Stakes, rolling to a two-length victory in the 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-olds after making a sustained run from well off a solid pace.

After showing modest form during a two-start 2-year-old campaign, Mohaafeth now is 4 for 4 at age 3, winning comfortably Thursday at Royal Ascot in his first start in a group race. Trained by William Haggas for Shadwell Estate Company, Mohaafeth is a son of Frankel out of French Dressing by Sea The Stars. Jim Crowley rode Mohaafeth, who rallied on the far outside, travelling like a winner with a quarter-mile left to run, before his mount drifted toward the inside rail, mildly impeding Roman Empire, who had little chance to catch the winner and managed to hold on for second.

Stewards made an inquiry into the running but let the results stand.

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A 4-5 shot stepping up to Group 3 competition, Mohaafeth delivered and seems likely to get another class hike in his next start.

Norfolk Stakes

Perfect Power went from a Hamilton maiden win to victory in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes, winning a tight photo over Go Bears Go in this five-furlong straight-course dash for 2-year-olds.

Wesley Ward’s 2021 Royal Ascot struggles continued as Lucci could only finish fifth and his second starter, Nakatomi, eighth. None of Ward’s six runners so far this week have finished in the top three.

The Norfolk field separated into two distinct groups, Go Bears Go on the far side, Perfect Power on the near side, the two horses separated by many yards across the course with only a head between then on the finish line. Perfect Power, by Ardad, is trained by Richard Fahey and was ridden by Paul Hanagan. He paid $31.60 in the North American wagering.