Newbury report: Glorious Journey the highlight of James Doyle treble

Glorious Journey gave his season a much-needed boost when returning to winning ways at the scene of his greatest success in the Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury.

Having claimed the Hungerford Stakes at the track 12 months ago, the Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old had looked out of sorts in two Pattern race outings in Britain this season after returning from a spell in Dubai.

Appearing to appreciate a drop down to Listed company, the Dubawi gelding quickened away smartly late on in the seven-furlong prize to cross the line with a length in hand from 1000 Guineas fourth Final Song, completing a treble for James Doyle and double for Appleby.

Doyle said of the 11-2 shot: “He has got the form in the book, but he had two below-par runs and we were on the comeback mission today. The conditions suited and it was beautiful ground out there.

“The little bit of cover early was key as he likes to just follow one for a couple of furlongs, then I was able to let him go just inside the two and he quickened up well.

“He travelled super and he is back to how he was before. He was a little bit fresh in his first two starts and it may have just taken a bit of work to put him on his A game, but he was really relaxed today. I imagine he will step up back up into Group race company now.”

Doyle had earlier been on the mark aboard the George Boughey-trained Mirage Mac (5-1) in the Racing TV Novice Median Auction Stakes and Humanitarian (7-2) for John Gosden in the Dubai Duty Free Handicap.

Doyle said of the latter: “He put in some nice performances before things didn’t pan out for him behind Japan at Ascot on his last start in the King Edward VII Stakes, but before that he had run a nice race in the Derby.

“He did well there, lumping that weight round. He stuck at it well having taken a good grip all the way round and that will have helped taken the freshness out of him.”

Doyle had earlier notched up the first leg of a hat-trick aboard Mirage Mac (5-1), who is likely to have her sights raised significantly following her short-head verdict in the Racing TV Novice Median Auction Stakes.

George Boughey, winning trainer, said: “She has done well beating the colts. She is a lovely filly and is versatile ground wise.

“There is a Listed race over a mile (Montrose Stakes) at the back end of the year we could look at, but we are in no rush with her.”

Glorious Journey’s victory was the second leg of a quick-fire brace for Appleby, who sent out Yibir (5-2) to victory in the 40 Year Anniversary Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes.

Yibir added his name to an illustrious roll of honour as he continued his progression with a tenacious front-running victory in the 40 Year Anniversary Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes at Newbury.

The Dubawi colt backed up his recent maiden success at Sandown to give trainer Charlie Appleby his second win in the mile prize, which has previously been claimed by the likes of 1981 Derby winner Shergar, Rainbow Quest, King’s Theatre and Nayef.

Racing together with Baradar, the 5-2 shot, who is a full-brother to multiple Group One winner Wild Illusion, found plenty for pressure to hold favourite Megallan at bay by a length.

Winning rider William Buick said: “He is a big horse, but he has done nothing wrong and is learning on the job. Today he has come forward again.

“It was nice ground here today and stepping up to a mile has suited him. He is the type of horse, looking at him, that whatever he does this year, he will do better next year.

“It was a small field and there was no real plan to make the running. I just went with how the horse felt and he was comfortable doing what he was doing.

“The early fractions were slow so he was always going to finish his race well, but I like the way he responded.”

Yibir was introduced at 50-1 for next year’s 2000 Guineas and Derby by Paddy Power, and Buick expects further improvement in 2021.

He added: “It is early days so it is hard to say how far he will go, but he is bred to be very good and he has done nothing wrong so far in his life.

“A mile is perfect for him at the moment, but he will get further next year.”

Roger Teal looks to have unearthed another potential gem in Whenthedealinsdone (4-1), who held Twilight Calls by a head in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes.

The Lambourn handler said: “We are very excited by him. We will keep our feet on the floor, but I think we’ve found another one. He was first off the bridle but when Jason (Watson) asked him, he responded gamely.

“I’ll have a look at the programme book now. If the ground stays nice, I would like to have go at something better this season.”