Montjeu juvenile takes Ascot’s G2 Royal Lodge

28th September 2008

Montjeu colt Jukebox Jury (2c Montjeu-Mare Aux Fees, by Kenmare) was produced will a well-timed run by jockey Royston Ffrench to takes the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The Mark Johnston-trained colt won a maiden at Glorious Goodwood on his debut and finished a close third over seven furlongs in G3 company at Deauville on his previous run but appreciated this step up to a mile.

"He had a bad start and Royston said he nearly unshipped coming out of the stalls," said Johnston.

"And right from the beginning I was tempted to go up in class with him. Johnny Murtagh won on him first time and agin rode him in France on his last start. He said to go for a Listed race and put him away. But I looked at this and couldn't resist it."

Jukebox Jury, who was bred by Paul Nataf and bought by owner Alan Spence for 270,000 euros at Arqana’s 2007 August Yearling Sale, received quotes of 33/1 for next year’s G1 Derby at Epsom from bookmakers.