Sun Chariot beckons for Love Dynasty following Atalanta Stakes triumph

Kevin Ryan is planning a step up to the highest level with Love Dynasty following her surprise success in the BetMGM Atalanta Stakes at Sandown.

Winner of her first two starts for William Haggas, the daughter of Dubawi moved north last year and while she has performed admirably in Listed and Group-race company, she had failed to add to her tally.

Making her first appearance since chasing home Sparks Fly in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom in early June, Love Dynasty was a widely unconsidered 33-1 shot for this Group Three test under Neil Callan.

The previously unbeaten Secret Of Life took the field along for much of the one-mile journey and looked to have most of her rivals in trouble halfway up the straight, but she was eventually reeled in, with Love Dynasty doing best of the closers to score by a neck from Noche Clasica.

While the result was a shock for many, Ryan insists he was hopeful of a bold showing after the rain arrived in Esher.

“It wasn’t a shock to me. The most important thing for her is the ground – she needs soft ground, that’s why she’s so lightly-raced,” said Hambleton-based trainer.

“She’s a very consistent filly who leaves everything out on the track. It’s great for Steve Parkin of Clipper (Logistics, owner), he has a nice broodmare band, all he wants to do is add quality to them and she will hopefully.

“In fairness to William (Haggas), when she came to me, he said he always thought a lot of her. She just has to have some soft in the ground and when she gets that she’s a top-class filly.”

Love Dynasty will now be aimed at the Sun Chariot at Newmarket on October 3 if conditions are suitable.

Ryan added: “I’ve made an entry at Newmarket for her in the Group One and if I didn’t think a lot of her, I wouldn’t have done that.

“As long as the ground is suitable, she’ll probably go there next.”

Callan said: ” I thought coming here a stiff mile, I’m going to hoof her out and then hold a position and then when she hits her flat spot I’ll be able to kick her through it without losing any ground through it. It all went perfectly well, really smooth.

“I went the economical route up the inside and I just wanted a nice clean passage to keep the momentum rolling. Once I got her through her flat spot between the two furlong pole and the one I gave her a couple of flicks and I knew from the furlong pole she will gallop out powerfully to the line.

“It’s an association that goes back a long way, Kevin is my old boss and Steve Parkin of Clipper Logistics is a great friend and supporter of mine.

“I’m a bit of a part-time jockey and I probably get more of a kick out of my sons. They are flying along Jack and Henry, so ‘team Callan’ is doing great and hopefully the day I do turn up and ride still I can make my mark like I’ve done today.”