Fantasy World shocks Ascot rivals with 20-1 success

Fantasy World caused a 20-1 surprise as he landed the BetMGM Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot for Andrew Balding.

Rated just 89 ahead of his Listed assignment, Fantasy World was up against two horses who carried Classic hopes earlier in the year in Nightwalker and Arabian Force, and it was that pair who eventually fought out the finish with him.

Ralph Beckett’s Push The Limit was another to throw down a challenge and at one point the four of them were in a line across the track with Many Men not far behind.

Push The Limit cracked first followed by Arabian Force but Nightwalker, running his best race since joining John and Thady Gosden this term, was a persistent challenger.

Rob Hornby just had enough left up his sleeve on Fantasy World to prevail by a neck, with a further three-quarters of a length back to Arabian Force in third.

Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Syndicates, said: “It was inspired placement from the trainer to be honest, it wasn’t my choice!

“Andrew made a case for it because he’s in the sales later this month and he won the race last year with a horse rated in the 90s (Subsequent) and he didn’t think there’d be a huge gulf between them as he likes soft ground and stays well.

“If we came third or fourth his rating would go up and help his value at the sales – but we didn’t think we’d win!

“The rain came just in time and Rob has given him a great ride. We’d have been delighted with third or fourth but to win, beating all the big owners, is very satisfying so it’s a great day.

“It’s going to be a tricky conversation to have now as no doubt there will be some in the syndicate who’d like to keep hold of him but he’s obviously worth a few quid.

“He’d have international appeal but I’m a jumping boy at heart and this is unfortunately a Flat syndicate, but you wouldn’t mind seeing him over hurdles.”

Fantasy World holds an entry in next week’s Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket but an appearance there seems unlikely.

“He’s not slow, he showed that in the Melrose at York on quick ground and he would get two miles on quick ground,” said Hoskins.

“If you’re a man for the ratings, you think why on earth are you running 20lb wrong and then you look at the Newmarket race where he’d look to have a great chance from a handicapping perspective.

“However, I’ve just spoken to Andrew and that race never came up in conversation, I think he’s done for the year as that is next Friday.”