Creative Force and Space Blues narrowly miss out in G2 Lennox Stakes

Creative Force and Space Blues both produced admirable efforts on heavy ground when coming home second and fourth in the G2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood, UK, on Tuesday, 27 July.

G3 Jersey Stakes victor Creative Force was covered up behind the leaders in fifth, with Space Blues restrained at the rear of the eight runners as he attempted a repeat victory in the seven-furlong contest following his success 12 months ago.

Creative Force stayed on after being angled out by James Doyle entering the final quarter-mile and moved up to press for the lead half a furlong out, galloping out strongly to finish a neck behind Kinross.

Space Blues travelled powerfully into the race for William Buick passing the two-furlong pole and last season’s G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest winner also finished his race off well, going down by three-quarters of a length in total.

Charlie Appleby, who trains both horses, said: "Unfortunately it wasn't the strongest run race. William's tactics were to ride Space Blues like he rode him last year, but the pace wasn't there for him to aim at. I'm delighted with him - it was his first run back for the European season and we will see how he comes out of this. If he comes out of it well enough, we might look at the G2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. He has got his options anyway.

“It was another solid run from Creative Force, who is just a fun horse to have around. I would say six furlongs is going to be his trip going forward into next year. He travels very well and James said we should think about dropping him back to six as he is slightly over-racing. It was a good, solid run. You could contemplate dropping him back for the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest or going to Haydock for the G1 Sprint Cup.”