Catullus proved too strong in the Dubai Duty Free Cup result at Newbury on Friday, beating Leading Dancer by 3.5 lengths under William Buick. The Charlie Appleby-trained 2/1 joint favourite returned a winning time of 1m 23.37s in the Listed 7f contest.
The Dubai Duty Free Cup result completed a dominant afternoon for Appleby at the Berkshire track, extending the yard’s tally to three winners from the day. Earlier, Bin Jahwar (2/5F, William Buick) had claimed the Conditions Stakes and Sorrengail (8/11F, William Buick) won the Fillies’ Conditions Stakes.
Appleby’s Trio Shine as Catullus Lands Listed Honours
The Dubai Duty Free Cup saw Catullus overcome a competitive field to secure what looked an accomplished performance. Leading Dancer (K. R. Burke, Sean Levey) ran on gamely for second, while Elarak (Charles Hills, David Probert) filled the third spot.
Spy Chief, the subject of our morning preview, could not emulate the Appleby winners. John & Thady Gosden’s 2/1 joint favourite, ridden by Ryan Moore, finished sixth, beaten 6.75 lengths in what amounted to a disappointing effort.
Oakford (4/1, Roger Teal) made a winning debut in the 1:47 maiden, while Silver Sovereign (3/1F, Clive Cox) took the nursery and Bintknight (11/2, Harry Charlton) claimed the fillies’ handicap later on the card.
