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Creative Force secures first G1 with impressive British Champions Sprint display

Racenews

Creative Force continued his ascent through the sprinting ranks with a breakthrough G1 success in the British Champions Sprint at Ascot, UK, on Saturday, 16 October.

The son of Dubawi captured the seven-furlong G3 Jersey Stakes at the same course in June and had subsequently produced two promising efforts at G1 level over six furlongs, including a never-nearer fifth in Newmarket’s Darley July Cup.

After breaking well, Creative Force soon settled in third behind Glen Shiel and Nando Parrado in a large group that raced up the far rail.

Creative Force cruised into second over two furlongs from home and quickened powerfully to reel in last year’s winner Glen Shiel approaching the final furlong. The Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-old hit the line strongly under William Buick to prevail by a length.

Charlie Appleby said: “I'm delighted for Creative Force because he has been on the go all season. He was out at the Craven meeting and rose through the ranks and came here to win the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“He had a little break afterwards but has been busy since, more so in the sprinting division which is something we felt was going to suit him. On today's performance, we have found the right conditions for him.

“It was a great confidence ride by William Buick, he knew the horse he had under him and the ground was always going to suit him.

“I felt that this horse has learnt his trade in the sprinting division at Haydock and in the Darley July Cup so, once William got a good tow into the race, we were confident that he would hit the line strong.

“The sprint division is there for someone to take the mantle next year and we've been looking for a new star sprinter since Blue Point was retired so hopefully this horse can be a fun horse for the next year or two.”

William Buick added: “Creative Force really did deserve it. Obviously, he won the Jersey Stakes here and he goes through that soft ground which is a big help.

“The race worked out perfectly today - we had a nice draw and I liked the look of it. It worked out how I wanted it to and he was in good form going into it. He certainly deserved it but we thought it was a good chance for him to show his best today.

“There were a lot of runners, they all turned up but he travelled into it very smoothly and it was a case of just waiting with him a little bit.”