NAGANO stayed on well to take the MansionBet Beaten By A Head Novice Stakes, shedding his maiden tag at the second time of asking.

A previous run at Newmarket in April and a step up in trip proved a winning combo for Nagano today at Nottingham. Partnered with David Egan who settled Nagano at the rear of the pack, while the John and Thady Gosden trained Meritorious set the pace as the front runner in the early stages. Nagano needed encouragement to come onto the bridle for the initial part of the race, but once ridden under hand and heels Nagano picked up well down the centre of the track. Leaving all to the closing stages Nagano eventually found his stride, opening up and coming through to the front inside the final furlong. Nagano went on to justify favouritism, pulling away to win 2 ¼L clear of Mystical Dawn from the Charlie Appleby yard in second.

Congratulations to winning owner Nurlan Bizakov and the team. A respectable ride by David Egan, for encouraging the best out of Nagano. Hopefully there is more to come from this son of Fastnet Rock, who looks like he will only improve from the run as he progresses into handicap company.

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