Tropical storms to Westow win

Andrew Balding’s Tropical Storm booked his ticket for Royal Ascot with victory in the British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes – but which race he tackles has yet to be decided.

Excused his comeback sixth in the Palace House having taken a false step, he was sent off a 4-1 chance in the Listed contest but he had ground to find with the favourite Aesterius on last year’s Flying Childers form.

Archie Watson’s market leader was one of the first beaten as Star Of Mehmas hit the front, but Oisin Murphy waited until the final furlong before asking for everything and his mount responded to win by a head.

Balding now needs to decide whether to stick to five furlongs for the King Charles III Stakes or stay against his own age group over six furlongs in the Commonwealth Cup.

“He’s built like a real sprinter,” said Balding.

“Oisin said when he switched him out he got caught by a bit of a headwind which caught him by surprise and as a result it just took him a bit of time to pick up.

“He’s a smart horse, his form last year was very strong and he had won here which was a help – he took a false step at Newmarket.

“Obviously we’ve now got two options at Royal Ascot and we’ll just have to see whether we chance him over six in the Commonwealth or run him over five against his elders.

“It’s a nice problem to have. Ascot was always going to be his next target and it will be one of those races.”