FENCING TOO SHARP FOR RIVALS

Fencing staked an early claim for Classic consideration with an emphatic victory in the Denford Stud Stakes at Newbury.

The Street Cry colt stepped up on his Newmarket debut third to put a useful field in its place in this seven-furlong Listed race known as the Washington Singer.

With Leqqaa only setting a steady pace, William Buick upped the ante some way out on the John Gosden-trained colt to make it a decent test and once the chips were down, the well-backed 5-4 favourite pulled clear to win by two and a half lengths from Telwaar, with Leqqaa third.

"There was no pace. There was a lot of stopping and starting and he was keen early, so William took it up," said Gosden.

"He did look around in front, but it was only his second race and he was a maiden. He did well in his race at Newmarket and won the race on his side.

"He's very progressive. We'll probably stay at seven (furlongs). He's a horse on an upward curve and we've always liked him.

"At three I'd say a mile and a quarter would be his trip, but time will tell. His dam (Latice) won the Prix de Diane."

Stan James and Victor Chandler gave Fencing quotes of 16-1 and 14-1 respectively for the 2000 Guineas, while Betfred make him 16-1 for the Derby and Paddy Power 25s.

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