Arizona Blaze storms back from York reverse to land Flying Five

Arizona Blaze bounced back from Nunthorpe disappointment to land the Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes.

Having impressed over this course and distance in the Sapphire Stakes on his penultimate start, the three-year-old was favourite to break his Group One duck on the Knavesmire last month, but trailed home 11th of 17 runners.

Back on home soil, Arizona Blaze lined up as one of two leading contenders for trainer Adrian Murray and in the Amo Racing colours along with the hat-trick-seeking Bucanero Fuerte, and both were up with the pace from the off.

Bucanero Fuerte was the shorter of the two in the betting at 9-2, but Arizona Blaze (11-2) was the choice of Amo Racing’s retained rider David Egan and his decision was justified as his mount finished off strongly to score by a head from Nighteyes, with Bucanero Fuerte a close-up third.

Amo Racing chief Kia Joorabchian said: “I’m so happy for this guy (Arizona Blaze) and I’m emotional about it because he deserves it. He’s been just beaten in Group One races and today was his day.

“David is riding unbelievably and he has such a positive energy that he’s given us so much confidence in the whole operation.”

He added: “What an amazing job Adrian and Robson (Aguiar) have done with him. They have never lost belief in him even when he’s run so-so. He’s so tough.

“It was a very tough decision for David whether to ride him or Bucanero (Fuerte). We knew Arizona is a stallion prospect and that’s what did it for him.

“I got in two hours ago from Keeneland, where we bought 14 or 15 horses.”