Charlie Appleby will consider pitching Quest For Stars into Group One company on his next start after maintaining his unbeaten record with a gutsy success in the British Stallion Studs EBF Stonehenge Stakes.
The son of Sea The Stars made it three wins from as many appearances when rallying in game fashion, after being headed late on, to land the mile Listed prize at Salisbury yesterday under Connor Planas to add to his novice wins at Doncaster and Sandown Park.
An outing in the Golden Fleece Stakes at Leopardstown, which has recently been upgraded to Group One status, could now be on the agenda with the Godolphin-owned colt’s latest victory doubling up as a ‘Win and You’re In’ for the nine furlong prize on September 12.
However, a trip to Ireland is not yet set in stone with Appleby admitting that he will also give consideration to the Group Three Night Of Thunder Zetland Stakes at Newmarket on October 10 as an alternative target.
Appleby said: “He is now three from three so you can’t knock him. On each occasion he keeps stepping it up.
“As we know that race was a win and you’re in for the Golden Fleece. It will either be that, or we give him a bit more time in between now and his next race and look towards going for the Zetland.
“He is a horse that has done little wrong.”
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And not only was Appleby pleased to see Quest For Stars extend his winning sequence, but he was delighted for 22 year old Planas in securing his biggest winner to date.
He added: “Full credit to Connor Planas as he has got on very well with him. He is not a tricky horse, but he needs handling, and he has done a great job on him at the races.
“That was Connor’s first stakes race winner as well which was great to see him achieve.”
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