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Sevenna Star shines in Classic Trial at Sandown

John Gosden at Newmarket racecourse on April 17, 2018
Image: Trainer John Gosden

John Gosden's enviable riches in the Classic department had another name added to the mix with Sevenna Star showing plenty of stamina to land the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown Park.

Appearing to need every inch of the mile-and-a-quarter trip, the Redoute's Choice colt stuck on in spirited fashion to give the Newmarket trainer his ninth success in the race.

Requiring plenty of encouragement from Frankie Dettori to get into top gear, the 15-8 favourite wore down eventual runner-up Ispolini close to the line before landing the Group Three contest by a short head.

Gosden said: "He is a big horse, as you can see, and he is still learning. He didn't really see anyone around Windsor last time. He did a nice piece of work around there.

"It was a good race. The second, third and fourth are good horses. It was a quality trial.

"You needed to see out the mile and a quarter in these conditions and Frankie said he was a little dreamy early on, learning about the game, and he was only getting the hang of it the last part.

"We could possibly have another trial, we will see, but why not. We will see how we want to play it. We will take it step by step and I'm delighted here. I don't think it was a weak race at all."

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He added: "It (Dante) would be a possibility, absolutely."

As for Dettori, he believes the winner is still very much a work in progress as opposed to the finished article.

He said: "He is a big horse. It took a furlong and a half to get into top gear. Once I got upsides William (Buick, Ispolini) I knew my horse would do his very best at the end.

"It is the first time he has had a proper race. Last time he won at a canter. He is learning all the time and you will see his very best over a mile and a half."

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