Al Suhail back to form with dominant Newmarket display

Al Suhail put a disappointing run in the 2,000 Guineas firmly behind him with a comprehensive victory in the Listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes over a mile at Newmarket, UK, on Thursday, 9 July.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt was held up in a clear fifth of the seven-strong field early on and travelled strongly into the race approaching the final quarter-mile.

He showed an impressive turn of foot soon after, quickening between horses to hit the front with a furlong and a half to race. Al Suhail readily went clear of his rivals and was eased by William Buick in the closing stages to come home six lengths clear of Mystery Power.

His win was the 125th Stakes success for Godolphin to be sired by Dubawi.

Charlie Appleby said: “Al Suhail was working exceptionally well before the 2,000 Guineas and we were hoping that he was going to run a big race there. It was fast ground and a large field that day, and it just didn’t happen for him at all.

“We put a line through it, gave him a short break and his homework has been very strong again. He had his ground today and I was confident that, if he kept it together, we know that he has plenty of ability.

“He looks as though he has plenty of natural pace to be staying over a mile, but you could see him stepping up in trip based on his pedigree and possibly some improvement over further.”

William Buick said: “It was always the plan today to get the first half of the race right. Al Suhail settled into a nice rhythm and travelled so strongly, I got there at least a furlong earlier than I wanted to. Nothing could take me any longer, so I went while he was going, and it was an impressive performance.

“Al Suhail has backed up his homework – he has always worked very well at home. He showed a lot of promise last year and is a very, very talented horse. It was pleasing to see him come back and do that.

“With his pedigree, ability and the way he did it today, I think we will definitely have to consider stepping him up in class again. We were hoping that he would run well in the Guineas, so we are looking to get back to that level.”