MICHAEL DODS is targeting Royal Ascot after Mass Rally came with a flourishing finish to land the Infinity Ecosis Tyres Handicap on the opening day of York's Dante Festival.
Mass Rally has proved something of an enigma in the past, with a victory in last year's Ayr Silver Cup his only previous win from 30 turf starts.
However, the sprinter had been there or thereabouts in some high-profile contests, most notably when he finished second in the Symphony Group Stakes at York's prestigious Ebor meeting, and yesterday's victory marked a career high.
Paul Mulrennan managed to overcome a wide draw from stall 18 on board the 14-1 shot, smuggling Mass Rally into the pack and finishing quickly to overhaul 4-1 favourite Nocturn by half-a-length.
"He has been a bit quirky but I think the hood and the blinkers help him," said Dods, who trains at Denton, near Piercebridge.
"'Paul gave him a great ride as I was quite worried about the draw. Hopefully, he might be a better horse this year and he'll be in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot. Hopefully later on we can go to Ayr for the Gold Cup."
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