Goldspur third in G3 Classic Trial

Goldspur was collared in the final furlong as he attempted to make all in the G3 Classic Trial over a mile and a quarter at Sandown Park, UK, on Friday, 22 April.

The Dubawi homebred, third over the same distance in the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud on his previous appearance in October, broke well and was immediately sent on into a length lead by William Buick.

Goldspur had increased his advantage to two lengths when kicking for home passing the two-furlong pole before being joined by Westover entering the final furlong. Westover took up the running soon after, with Cash claiming second in the closing stages as Goldspur kept on to go down by just over a length.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “William was pleased with Goldspur but said afterwards that the horse is crying out for a mile and a half. From the three to the two, he felt that Goldspur was moving nicely through the gears before getting caught a little one-paced towards the finish.

“A step up in trip is hopefully going to see further improvement and I would imagine that we will look at another Derby trial, possibly Lingfield or the Chester Vase.”