Ascot Win Puts Fantastic View in 2,000 Guineas Picture

Fantastic View moved into consideration for next year's 2,000 Guineas after an easy four-length victory in the Tom McGee Autumn Stakes (Eng-III) for 2-year-olds Saturday at Ascot.

Th chestnut colt by Distant View, bred in the United States by George Strawbridge and London Thoroughbred Services, won by four lengths as the 13-8 favorite, covering the one mile round in 1:45.55 on good to firm going.

Menokee, another U.S. bred, this one by Cherokee Run, was second, 2 1/2 lengths ahead of Temple Place. Just five competed.

Jockey Pat Dobbs used a patient ride to register his first grade III win. Dobbs settled Fantastic View third early, eased up on the outside of front-running Elshadi near the midway point and got the lead with a quarter mile to go. He finished well, with Dobbs keeping his attention focused. Elshadi aded to fourth place.

"We only bought him for 35,000 guineas and he is a half-brother to To The Rescue, who won here last year," winning trainer Richard Hannon told The Racing Post..

"He travels well in his races but does idle a bit in front. He's in a group I in Italy but that may be it for the season."

Ladbrokes and Coral dropped Fantastic View to 25-1 for the 2004 2,000 Guineas.