HAWKBILL DELIVERS FOR APPLEBY
HAVING a good understudy can often reap rewards and Hawkbill emphasised that in leading home a one-two for trainer Charlie Appleby in the Princess of Wales’s Arqana Racing Club Stakes at Newmarket.
After failing to fire last time out in France, the four-year-old bounced back to the level of form that saw him capture last year’s Coral-Eclipse with a tenacious success from the front in the Group Two contest.
Despite being given an easy time up front, the son of Kitten’s Joy looked set to be collected by his stablemate Frontiersman inside the final two furlongs of the mile-and-a-half prize, until a late wander cost him momentum at a vital stage.
William Buick straightened the 5-4 favourite up to renew his challenge but it was too little too late, Hawkbill prevailing by threequarters of a length to complete a double for jockey James Doyle.
‘Hawkbill was out there on his own merits, but we felt he might help the other horse bring some stamina into play,’ said Appleby.
‘If you let Hawkbill free on the front end he has proven time after time he is a dangerous horse left alone. I said to James don’t be frightened, we are looking forward to seeing what Frontiersman can do but ride your own race and let him lengthen. He gave him a peach of a ride.’
Appleby completed a double when the Buick-ridden Spring Cosmos (9-2) made a winning start to her career in the six-furlong British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
‘She’s done well and knew her job. She’ll probably get a bit further in time,’ he added.