Third success for stylish Crimplene

Crimplene piled further embarrassment on to the shoulders of Godolphin talent scouts when securing her third big-race success in less than two months at Royal Ascot yesterday.

The filly, trained by the long-serving Clive Brittain, gave a spectacular display of front-running to land the Coronation Stakes.

The success followed victories in the German and Irish versions of the 1000 Guineas.

Crimplene was ignored by Godolphin when they went recruiting last winter, the team preferring her stablemate Teggiano.

Even Brittain said: "I thought Teggiano was the best at one time but you certainly can't say that now. This was by far Crimplene's biggest test and she's shown what she can do."

The revitalised Philip Robinson - also successful in France's equivalent of the Derby - was soon assured of a fourth big win in less than a month.

Crimplene was quickly at the head of the affairs and quickened in great style in the home straight to take charge, coming home two and a half lengths clear of Princess Ellen with Bluemamba third.

"It's been a fantastic spell for me - long may it continue," said Robinson. Brittain is convinced a three-week break for Crimplene in Dubai before the start of the season was a big help for the filly.

"Once she came back she seemed greatly improved and more relaxed mentally," he said.

"She was in season when she ran in the Fred Darling and once we got that out of the way I was able to plot her campaign."

An unlucky defeat in the Italian 1000 Guineas - Crimplene became steamed up in the stalls after some ill-treatment from a handler - was followed by victories in Germany and Ireland.

Brittain, renowned for his handling of the top class filly Pebbles, knew he had another good one on his hands with the victory in Dusseldorf.

"People tend to write off the German Classics but they aren't in the back woods any more. I knew the form was good as she managed to do it from a bad draw," he said.

A possible clash between Crimplene and the sidelined 1000 Guineas winner Lahan would be one to relish.

"I hope Lahan comes back to health as it would be good to take her on," said Brittain.

Whatever happens, though, Crimplene will try to end her season with a success in the distaff race at the Breeders' Cup meeting at Churchill Downs on November 4th.

Princess Ellen improved markedly on her disappointing fifth in the Irish 1000 Guineas.

She is now likely to be stepped up in trip with the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood a probable target.

Henry Cecil was a relieved man after Subtle Power justified favouritism in the King Edward VII Stakes.

The strapping colt, ridden by Richard Quinn, took charge coming into the home straight and was not troubled to defeat Zafonium by three and a half lengths. Cecil was facing only his second winnerless Royal Ascot since 1973.

"I haven't had many runners this week and Pythios was unlucky in the Hunt Cup. With Shiva missing her race this was my best chance," he said.

Subtle Power is owned by the Thoroughbred Corporation who won this event two years ago with Royal Anthem.

But Subtle Power is a slightly less precocious type and more of a stayer than that one.

"He's a big backward type and needs this one and a half miles," said Cecil.

Cecil admitted that the Irish Derby was doubtful for the colt. Despite missing two days of the meeting through injury, Kieron Fallon was top jockey at the festival with four winners.