Newbury review: Emotionless back to winning ways
Emotionless registered his first success for 34 months with a stylish all-the-way win the bet365 Stakes at Newbury.
Things have not gone right for Emotionless since he won the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster as a two-year-old, but he showed he was still a talented performer as he outclassed the field in this Listed contest, registered as the Steventon Stakes.
William Buick had the Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old in front from the start and was allowed an uncontested lead.
Frankie Dettori, riding Fajjaj, did not allow the leader too much rope, but Emotionless (11-4 favourite) upped the tempo in the final quarter-mile to score by two lengths from Desert Encounter, who grabbed second place close home.
Appleby's assistant Alex Merriam said: "It was really nice to get back on track. It's been a little while since he has run in the UK.
"Charlie has been very patient with him. He has had little issues off and on that have kept him off the track. Hopefully we will have a bit of a clear run with him.
"I think a mile and a quarter on quick ground suits and William said that was just the job.
"Charlie has mentioned Australia as possibly on the radar. He has been off for a long time, though. We will get him home, see how he is and make a plan from there."
One-smart 2yo Emotionless is back in business in the bet365 Stakes at Newbury.
— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) July 21, 2018
"Australia could possibly be on his radar," says Charlie Appleby's assistant Alex Merriam.
Results ▶️ https://t.co/7iJOPsdIyZ pic.twitter.com/ygCXvG9Xae
Stratum highlights Sky Bet Ebor credentials
Stratum reaped the benefit of a fine effort at Royal Ascot when running out an emphatic winner of the JLT Cup at Newbury.
Third behind his Willie Mullins-trained stablemate Lagostovegas in the Ascot Stakes on his second start after a long absence, the five-year-old justified strong market support in the inaugural running of this extended two-mile handicap.
Robert Winston weaved his way through the field on the 11-4 favourite to lead at the business end and win cosily, continuing the fine run of his owner, Brighton chairman Tony Bloom, who was successful with Withhold in the Northumberland Plate.
Kloud Gate was beaten three lengths in second place, with Coeur De Lion a neck away in third and Golden Wolf another head back in fourth.
Stratum was cut to 6-1 favourite from 10-1 for the Sky Ebor at York..
Winston, who also rode the Roger Charlton-trained Withhold, said: "Everything went to plan and he settled well today.
"He had a hood on and had a grackle bit on. He had a much faster pace today and got into a lovely rhythm. It was just a matter of when I was going to get a gap in the straight.
"He came there with plenty in hand and quickened nicely in front.
"He was far too keen (at Ascot) and it was a very muddling pace. This is just stepping stones at the moment. I think the possibility would be the Ebor next for him.
"I don't think we have seen the best of him yet. I think there is more to come."
Stratum lands the gamble for Willie Mullins and Tony Bloom to take the inaugural running of the JLT Cup @NewburyRacing
— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) July 21, 2018
Results ▶️ https://t.co/7iJOPsdIyZ pic.twitter.com/By5gExAYDg
Hackwood glory for Yafta
Yafta gained a first victory at Pattern-race level when getting the better of a late battle to claim the bet365 Hackwood Stakes at Newbury.
Sitting just in behind Mythmaker, leader of the far-side group, the Richard Hannon-trained son of Dark Angel picked up well late on in the six-furlong prize, before showing a tenacious attitude to see off the challenge of Projection to clinch the Group Three by a head.
Hannon said of the Jim Crowley-ridden 7-1 winner: "He has got better and better. His breeders have come to see him today and he has not let them down. He is a lovely horse to have around.
"I thought next year would be his year. I also feel seven furlongs would be his trip. Richard Hills said this would be the race for him. I thought it was a very hot race, but he got it right."
He added: "There are no plans yet. He will have to go up massively from here. I think he will love soft ground being by Dark Angel.
"He will be put in all those from now on (Group Ones). He is one horse that will last through the whole year. He is tough and sound."
Roger Charlton, trainer of the runner-up, believes the result may have been different had the son of Acclimation been granted a clear run.
He said: "I thought he ran another very good race. He possibly didn't get the luck in running he might have wanted, he ran to the line and he has just got beaten."
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