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Well-backed Hubert passes Trial

Reverend Hubert answered his connections' prayers when landing something of a gamble with an impressive success in the Turners Cesarewitch Trial Handicap.

Available at 33/1 this morning the Zoffany gelding rewarded those on at big prices when turning the two and a quarter mile contest into a procession under Harry Davies.

Anchored closer to the rear of the field early doors by Davies, the Charles Byrnes-trained 13/2 chance steadily worked his way into contention before kicking for home.

After breezing up alongside fellow Irish raider Chutzpal, from the yard of Henry de Bromhead, at the three furlong pole it was just a case of how far the seven-year-old would win by.

Once hitting the front the four-time jumps winner was not for catching with Davies pushing his mount further clear late on before eventually securing victory by eight lengths.

Cathal Byrnes, son and assistant trainer, said: “He ran a mighty race last year to finish eighth in the Cesarewitch and the ground just went a bit slow for him that day. We always thought Newmarket would be his track because it nearly takes him a mile to wind up as he doesn’t get into top speed quickly.

“We wanted to ride him handier, but he wasn’t quick enough out of the stalls. "Harry gave him a lovely ride. He was able to latch onto the pace for the last six furlongs or so and then wind it up. When he looked to see how far he was from home you knew something must have been underneath him.

“If he could convert his hurdle rating to the Flat there was always going to be a few pounds in hand. I’m delighted for his connections as the owner (James Flaherty) has a few horses in the yard.”

And following the victory connections hope that it will be enough to lift him up from number 58 on the list into the 34 runner field to make a repeat appearance in the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch on Saturday October 11th having finished eighth in the race 12 months ago.

Byrnes added: “I suppose we will now have to come here in three weeks as with the penalty hopefully we will get in. It will be hit and miss if he gets in, but we will wait and see. Hopefully, if he gets in, he will be going there with every chance and Harry said he would love to ride him so we may as well keep him on.”

Appleby mind turns to Oaks

Charlie Appleby is yet to taste victory in the Betfred Oaks, but he could have unearthed a contender for next year’s race after Romantic Symphony orchestrated the perfect debut at Newmarket.

The daughter of Dubawi, who is related to 2021 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Yibir, looked an exciting prospect following her success in the Turners British EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Having raced close to the pace throughout the mile prize it looked for a fleeting moment that her inexperience might catch her out with eventual runner-up Tryst proving a tough nut to crack out in front.

However, once realising the hang of things the 10/11 favourite picked up well under Billy Loughnane before forging on past Tryst and prevailing by three quarters of a length to earn a quote of 33-1 with Paddy Power for the Betfred Oaks.

Appleby said: “She has a nice stout pedigree to her. We came up here knowing that the trip would suit her and there is no doubt about it that the experience, and stepping up in trip further in time, will bring about improvement.

“Billy has ridden her enough at home to be fair and he knows that she is a filly that does her best work towards the end. He was just helping her to get organised, and once she was organised I was pretty confident she would hit the line strong.”

Regarding future plans Appleby hinted that an outing in the Listed British EBF Montrose Fillies’ Stakes over the same course and distance on November 1st.

He added: “The Montrose might be something to look at. She did like that sound surface and I’m not too sure she would want it too soft, which it can be at that time of year.

“I think there would be sharper fillies around than her to consider the Fillies’ Mile. I’m pleased with that for her first day at school and if she is anything like her family then she should stay a mile and a half next year.”

Double delight for Appleby team

There was further success on the card for Appleby and Loughnane after the long absent Mothecombe defied a 435-day absence to make a winning return to action in the Turners Of Soham Novice Stakes.

Last sighted chasing home subsequent Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas winner and St James’s Palace Stakes hero Field Of Gold on the July Course, the gelded son of Ghaiyyath was not to be denied on his belated return to action.

Although the John and Thady Gosden-trained Warrant Holder put up a stern fight it was not enough to prevent the 5/4 favourite from prevailing by three-quarters-of-a-length.

Appleby said: “He is a Ghaiyyath and we have always liked him. That is why we ran him at the July Festival last year. It probably all happened for him a bit too soon that day and he did sustain an injury at that meeting and that is why it has been a long time coming back to the track.

“I feel there is still work to be done on him and he will come forward for the run, there is no doubt about that. He is going to hopefully be a proper ten/twelve furlong horse going forward. I don’t think he has quite got the head for travelling yet, but to be brutally honest I’ve no lofty plans for him.”

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