Starlust has star power in Turf Sprint for Beckett and Ryan

Starlust stormed to victory in the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar for the Arc-winning combination of trainer Ralph Beckett and jockey Rossa Ryan.

It looked for all the world as though hot favourite Cogburn would be a blistering winner as he swept clear of Bradsell and the rest of the field under Irad Ortiz jr, but his early exertions told at the business end as the challengers closed in.

South African raider Isivunguvungu led the chase, but from out of the clouds Ryan powered into contention and Starlust got his head down and in front where it mattered, beating Motorious and AG Bullet.

There was an anxious time for winning connections in the immediate aftermath, however, as Isivunguvungu’s rider Manny Franco lodged an objection against the winner for interference, although the stewards did not take long to confirm the result.

Beckett said: “Wow, what a ride he gave him. What a ride – I’m very proud of what he’s achieved this year.

“It’s extraordinary and I’m really pleased for Jim and Fitri Hay (owners).

“He’s a really tough horse who has stormed through. He’s really tough, he hasn’t had a break all year.

“He’s a horse who kind of trains himself. He treated Dubai as a holiday because we couldn’t get him to do what we wanted, but he ran well in the Juvenile Turf Sprint last year and we felt if he could stay on their coattails today he could benefit.”

On the inquiry, Beckett added: “Flashbacks to Secret Gesture who was taken down in the Beverly D Stakes in 2015. I was concerned because they operate under different rules, but I was glad to get the job done.”

Ryan said: “It wasn’t the plan, Ralph left it up to me. I jumped well, Ralph said over five try to jump well but after half a furlong take a little pull. Luck was on my side today, the gap opened and he took it well.

“By the top of the straight I thought we would be in the first four, but they couldn’t hold that frenetic gallop and it just played into my hands.”

George Boughey’s filly Believing reared and unseated Ryan Moore in the stalls, leading to the runners being momentarily unloaded. She appeared to emerge unscathed, but was immediately withdrawn.