Pensando A Te gets up late to take Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket

Pensando A Te produced a decisive late run to win the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket, getting up in the final strides to deny Light Of Dawn by a short head.

Marco Botti’s filly had been slow into her stride and was held at the rear by Silvestre De Sousa as the field made its way through the seven-furlong contest. She began to make headway approaching the final furlong, then ran on strongly on the near side to take the lead on the line.

Late surge decides the Rockfel

Light Of Dawn, trained by Karl Burke and ridden by James Doyle, raced prominently throughout. After briefly being headed early, she regained the advantage inside the final furlong and looked set to see the race out, only for Pensando A Te to arrive late.

Ruby Moon finished a head behind the runner-up in third. Oisin Orr’s mount had been prominent and was still in contention inside the final 110 yards, while Roger Varian’s Miss Miniver kept on for fourth.

Second win in three starts

The victory was Pensando A Te’s second in three starts. She had won an Ascot maiden over six furlongs earlier this month after finishing second on debut at Yarmouth, and now has a Group 2 success on her record.

The race was run on ground described as good, with good-to-firm places, following watering. Siena Storm was withdrawn on veterinary advice, leaving nine runners to go to post.