Hawkbill in first-time blinkers for ‘Wales’ test

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby fits blinkers for the first time to seasoned international campaigner Hawkbill in Wednesday’s G1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.

The dual G1 winner has been regularly running over a mile and a half of late, but Appleby believes the drop back in trip — with the addition of the headgear — will see the son of Kitten’s Joy in a good light.

“Some forget that he won the G1 Eclipse over a mile and a quarter as a three-year-old,” the trainer pointed out.

“He’s a very reliable horse who has been a great campaigner for Godolphin. He has won 10 of his 21 starts and more than £3-million in prizemoney.

“He is worthy of his place in this high-class field, and dropping back in distance, the blinkers could just give him added focus,” he added.

Appleby suggested it was best to forget Hawkbill’s last start fifth in the G1 Coronation Cup.

A field of seven are to face the starter, with the John Gosden-trained Cracksman attempting to register his eighth win from 10 starts.