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Royal Ascot feature ‘might just be run to suit’
D'Bai could drop back in trip for a crack at the Diamond Jubilee Stakes after he came out on top in a three-way finish to the Betway John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock.
Trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, D’Bai was the second string for Sheikh Mohammed’s Derby-winning operation with Charlie Hills’ Dutch Connection sent off the 6-4 favourite.
However, he emerged much the superior of the runners in royal blue, showing a fine change of gear to triumph in the hands of William Buick.
The 3-1 shot was locked in battle with Larchmont Lad and Tabarrak, but eventually accounted for them by a head and a neck respectively in the seven-furlong Group Three contest.
Appleby said: “I am pleased with that and he has obviously backed up his good run at Windsor last time out, when he finished second behind The Tin Man.
“We have got him in the Diamond Jubilee – the logical thing you would say is to probably look towards the Lennox (at Goodwood over seven furlongs), but a race like the Diamond Jubilee might just be run to suit him.
“As we have seen many times before, he travels so well in his races and they will go a good strong pace in the Jubilee. I am not saying we are going to go there, but we will take a look at it.
“It doesn’t worry me coming back in trip. He has only raced over six furlongs twice, but he has finished fourth behind Jungle Cat who was a subsequent Group One winner, and he was just touched off by another Group One winner in The Tin Man on his second start over the trip.
“We really have learnt a lot about him over the spring.”
God Given outstayed her rivals to win the Group Three Betway Pinnacle Stakes.
The 9-4 favourite faced the resolute challenge of Crimson Rosette in the final furlong and while she appeared to poke her nose in front inside the distance, God Given edged back in front to win by half a length.
Winning trainer Luca Cumani told ITV Racing: “This race was a prep race for the Lancashire Oaks, so she will go for that race now in three weeks.
“It would be nice to think she could be like her brother (Postponed) and go all the way to Group Ones, she’s tough and she doesn’t give up.”
Muthmir made the most of a drop to Listed level as he secured his first win in over a year in the Betway Achilles Stakes.
William Haggas’ charge largely plied his trade in Group company last term with little success, but he had run well enough when fifth in the Temple Stakes at this track last time out.
The 11-4 favourite travelled supremely well for Jim Crowley, as Alpha Delphini was among those to set the pace, but it looked a case of ‘how far’ when Muthmir was brought through to challenge.
But Alpha Delphini did not give up without a battle and pushed Muthmir all the way, going down by just a short head.
