Surprise Salisbury winner Pyledriver set for Listed contest at Newbury

Pyledriver is set to try his hand at Listed company in Newbury’s Denford Stakes next month after causing a 50-1 shock on his debut at Salisbury.

Trainer William Muir has identified the seven-furlong contest, formerly known as the Washington Singer Stakes, as the next step for the son of Harbour Watch.

He had hoped Pyledriver would run well on his first start, but thought his inexperience might let him down.

The colt took command close home, however, to beat Great Ambassador by three-quarters of a length on Saturday.

Muir said: “We’ve always liked him. He’s a big horse, he’s 16.1 (hands). Whatever he does now, he’s going to get better and better. He’s going to fill his frame.

“I went to the races thinking he’d run a really nice race but expecting the two horses (Great Ambassador and Hexagon) that had form might have too much experience for him on the night.”

Pyledriver had other ideas, and Muir is confident there is much more to come.

“He did it like a really good horse – and he’s come out of it exceptionally well,” added the Lambourn trainer.

“You wouldn’t know he’d had a run – he hardly lost any condition.

“I don’t think he had a hard time of it, because he’s probably got a lot of class. He’s quite exciting – and you don’t know how far he could go.

“He ‘s always shown a lot of natural talent at home. So although he was 50-1, I said to the owners he was far too big a price – not as though I thought he would win, but there was a good chance he could be in the first three.

“The next step probably will be the Denford Stakes at Newbury. It seems the natural progression.”