Juddmonte target for Time Test

The four-year-old was having just his third outing of the year as he managed to fend off Mondialiste by three-quarters of a length in the Group Two heat on Knavesmire.

Time Test had previously finished third in the Eclipse at Sandown and Charlton believes he may have left the Dubawi colt a gallop short of his optimum at York.

He said: “I slightly blame myself. He had quite a tough time on ground he didn’t like in the Eclipse and we all know it’s been incredibly hot and it’s possible that I left him a bit short.

“I perhaps over-confidently thought he would go into York and win, which he did do, but I might have left him a gallop short. He might have been getting tired in the closing stages.

“He travelled well and clearly liked that ground and came as if he was going to win by four or five lengths, but in the end he won three-quarters of a length and got the job done.

“I think it was fairly solid form, it wasn’t flash but it was a good effort and he’s won two Group Twos and will step up, all being well, for the Juddmonte (International at York on August 17).”

Kimberella dominated his rivals to win York’s Sky Bet Dash at the third attempt.

Trained by Dandy Nicholls, the six-year-old has been an ultra-consistent sprinter for a number of seasons and arrived in good form, having finished runner-up on his last two appearances at the Curragh and Chester.

Franny Norton had the 9-2 favourite perfectly positioned throughout and tracked the pacesetting Related on the far side of the track.

Kimberella arrived on the scene travelling with complete ease inside the final two furlongs and soon sealed the deal, passing the post a length and three-quarters ahead of Intisaab.

Related and Fast Track finished third and fourth, respectively.

Norton said: “He’s been going up the weights without winning and we thought the handicapper had him.

“He’s better with a lead and he’s put it to bed quickly.”

Alex Greaves, wife and assistant to Nicholls, said: “He can make the running over five (furlongs) but over six he’s just better getting a lead.

“We all thought he’d struggle to win off that weight but he’s won well. The owner has always wanted to win the Great St Wilfrid – the horse loves Ripon – so I’d imagine that will be next, though he is in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood.

“That might come too soon, though.”

Highland Reel benefited from a brilliant front-running ride from Ryan Moore to claim top honours in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Narrowly beaten by the reopposing Dartmouth in the Hardwicke Stakes at last month’s Royal meeting, the four-year-old was a well-backed 13-8 favourite to gain his revenge and provide trainer Aidan O’Brien with a fourth King George success.

Moore sent his mount into a clear lead racing down the back straight before giving his mount a breather, which allowed the chasing pack to bridge the gap.

Highland Reel remained in front turning for home, however, and answered Moore’s every call to score by a length-and-a-quarter from Wings Of Desire.

“Ryan gave him a beautiful ride,” said O’Brien.

“Physically, the development is plain and, mentally, he’s a rock.”

Royal runner Dartmouth could only finish third.