Royal Ascot 2018: Eqtidaar edges out rivals in Commonwealth Cup thriller
Sir Michael Stoute's speedster saw off a late challenge from Sands Of Mali to land the Group 1
EQTIDAAR flew home to land the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup in emphatic style.
The three-year-old saw off a late burst from Sands Of Mali to give his trainer Sir Michael Stoute a third winner of the week.
It was not only the first win at the highest level for the son of Invincible Spirit, but also the first win since his debut - and it couldn't have come at a better time.
In a contest that was teeming with pace, it was Frankie Dettori on Emblazoned and Tom Eaves on Abel Handy who cut out the early fractions.
Dettori's mount skipped a couple of lengths clear of the rest, but the pair were unable to hold off Jim Crowley and Eqtidaar, who burst through in the final furlong to take up the running.
Despite a drift that nearly took him over to the stands rail, as well as a late thrust from Sands Of Mali, it was Sir Michael Stoute's speedster who had that little bit too much gas for his rivals.
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After the race, the winning trainer was delighted.
He said: "We've always liked this horse.
"When he ran here in the Pavilion it didn't go quite right for him and at Newbury (last time) he was on the wrong side of the track and at halfway he was beaten.
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"He worked very well the other week with Jim Crowley, so we were hopeful.
"He's progressing nicely."
Leading fancies Equilateral and Sioux Nation held every chance, but were unable to quicken when the race really hotted up.
Eqtidaar's victory meant Stoute celebrated his seventy-eighth Royal Ascot winner, and a third victory of the week.