4 May. GB. Stan James Palace House S. G3. Newmarket. 5f. Turf. 50.000 £
1.- CAPTAIN GERRARD (T.Eaves)
2.- SAKHEE'S SECRET (S.Drowne)
3.- ENTICING (J.Murtagh)


Captain Gerrard flew up the stands rails to start his three-year-old campaign with a win in the Stan James 08000 383384 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket.

Bryan Smart’s colt was quickly into his stride and made all the running under a positive Tom Eaves to land odds of 15-2 in the five-furlong dash.

July Cup winner Sakhee’s Secret, having his first run at the minimum trip, was sent off the 11-4 favourite and stayed on powerfully to get within a neck of the winner. Enticing also showed plenty of dash and had every chance entering the final furlong before weakening into third, a further length behind the principals.

North Yorkshire trainer Smart said: “For a three-year-old to take on the older sprinters like that is quite something. We have been held up at home with the weather and I thought he was bit short (of work) for this.

“I’m not sure if we will go for the Duke Of York now as he has so much speed. We might go for the King’s Stand (at Royal Ascot) if there is juice in the ground.”

Hughie Morrison said of Sakhee’s Secret: “I’m thrilled with that. He hit the front then took a blow. He was giving away a lot of weight and he is probably better at six furlongs.

“He’ll go for the Golden Jubilee next.”