The form of leading Qipco 2000 Guineas contender Emotionless was given a timely boost as Ibn Malik made a triumphant return to the track when casting aside his rivals from the front in the CSP European Free Handicap at Newmarket.
Having been brushed aside by the Charlie Appleby-trained colt in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster on his penultimate start last season, the three-year-old had no trouble in adding to his maiden victory on the July Course on his first start since undergoing a gelding operation.
Always in pole position the 3-1 joint-favourite, despite getting tired late on in the seven-furlong event, had matters in hand to hold off Scrutineer by two lengths to initiate the first leg of a double for winning rider Paul Hanagan.
Charlie Hills, winning trainer, said: "He got a bit tired on that ground, but Paul gave him a lovely ride.
"There were a lot of fast sorts in the race and I didn't want him to get done for speed early on as we knew he'd get the trip well.
"He had an issue after his last run last year and he went back to Shadwell (Stud). He had couple of little issues. They were sorted and I couldn't be happier with him
"We'll have a look at the King Charles II Stakes back here next and then probably go for the Jersey (at Royal Ascot)."
Hugo Palmer nominated a return to the track next month for Gifted Master (1-2 favourite) following his front running success in the £100,000 Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Sprint ahead of an outing at Royal Ascot.
Despite still showing his temperamental side before the race the three-year-old gelding had little trouble in seeing off his rivals by three-and-a-half lengths to complete a double for Pat Smullen and plunder a fourth straight success.
He said: "We will probably come back here now for the King Charles II Stakes in May on route to the Jersey. He is not ground dependant as he has won on rattling quick ground and dead ground.
"He is a very exciting horse and hopefully he will be a flagbearer for seasons to come."
No comments:
Post a Comment