Aablan remains unbeaten with game Solario Stakes victory
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
By Graham Clark
Charlie Appleby might still have plenty of shuffling to do with his juvenile pack, however Aablan laid down a marker to put himself top of that pile when maintaining his unbeaten record with a battling success in the Virgin Bet Solario Stakes at Sandown Park today.
Described by winning jockey James Doyle as a ‘lively character’ the son of Dubawi followed up his debut success at Newmarket’s July Course 35 days ago when taking a step up to Group Three company in his stride.
Tracking the early pace, which was set by eventual runner-up Inishfallen, the well-backed 7-4 Favourite was one of a host of runners appearing to hold every chance of success entering the final quarter of a mile of the seven-furlong contest.
However, after being passed by Starlore on his outside approaching the final furlong it looked like the Godolphin-owned colt would have to settle for a place at best.
But in determined fashion Aablan showed off the best of his battling ability to rally back past both Starlore and Insishfallen before scoring by a neck to give Appleby back-to-back wins in the race after claiming it 12 months ago with Silver Knott.
Alex Merriam, assistant trainer, said: “He had only had the one run coming into today and I thought James (Doyle) gave him a lovely ride and taught him a fair bit.
“A furlong out I thought we weren’t going to win, and James has said he is a horse that wants a mile in time so that is probably what we will look at next.
“He was workmanlike (first time out) but he is a big raw horse and he is entitled to take a bit of time and learn on the job. I think James has taught him a good bit there. He has done it the right way and got him to settle. I thought he gave him a lovely ride.
“I thought two down he was going to win quite easily as he travelled into it, whether it was just through greenness or that he wants the mile, but he has got the job done in quite a competitive race, so we are happy with him.”
Following the race, which Appleby’s was winning for a third time having also taken the 2017 renewal with subsequent Derby winner Masar, who was also partnered by Doyle, Aablan was made a 25-1 chance for next year’s QIPCO 2000 Guineas with Paddy Power.
Although no immediate plans were made, Merriam hinted Aablan’s next start would likely to be over a mile.
Merriam added: “To be honest Charlie said we will get him home and probably go a mile, but there were no immediate plans. He is a big raw horse so he might need a bit of time between his races. We will see how we go.
“I’d say we would probably start at a mile next year and go from there. Whether he gets a bit further he could in time.”
As for Classic-winning rider Doyle, who also won the race in 2013 aboard Kingman, he was pleased with the performance put in by Aablan.
Doyle said: “He is quite flamboyant in his early paces, and it is key to conserve that energy at this stage.
“The race couldn’t have worked out much better as we were able to get that cover straight away which helped him find a rhythm, although it took a little time.
“Once we got to the bend he was nicely under control and ultimately, he gets through the line pretty well and I was keen once we straightened up to just let him gradually go through his paces.
“He hasn’t got an electric turn of foot, but I knew this distance would be perfect with the stiff finish. I think going further is going to be better for him.
“Charlie does the race planning, and a lot will depend how this fellow takes the race. I don’t think they will be in any great rush to make a target.
“As we have seen he is a lively character that takes a bit of managing, but the boys have done great job with him.”
Ralph Beckett continued his excellent run of form after Classical Song took a step forward from her debut when running out a ready winner of the Virgin Bet Maiden Fillies’ Stakes in the colours of Doreen Tabor.
Sent off the 4-6 Favourite to go one better than on her debut at Goodwood the 420,000 euros purchase justified her cramped odds in the hands of Ryan Moore with a clear cut three length success to set up a step up in class.
Although Classical Song holds entries in both the Group Two Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Rockfel Stakes and Group One bet365 Fillies Mile, both at Newmarket, Beckett, who saddled 35 winners last month, earmarked two Listed options instead.
Beckett said: “The last furlong was her best. She was relaxed and behind the bridle as she took a bit of waking up, which is good.
“I’ve not done much with her since Goodwood, but that’s on purpose because she is a 15th of May foal. She is a filly that puts plenty in the mornings and she really enjoys her work and we need to manage her for next year.
“She needs to go a mile and have a bit of juice in the ground for the time being. There are Listed races like the Montrose and Silver Tankard, but I’d say she will only have one more start this season.”
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