Lazuli proves king in G3 Palace House Stakes

Improving sprinter Lazuli made a winning start to his European campaign with a determined victory in the G3 Palace House Stakes over five furlongs at Newmarket, UK, on Saturday, 1 May.

The son of Dubawi, shouldering a 3lb penalty after breaking the course record over the same trip in the G3 World Trophy at Newbury in September, was smartly into his stride and soon disputed third of the nine runners.

Lazuli quickened to hold every chance a furlong out and the Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old opened up a narrow advantage approaching the final half-furlong.

Came From The Dark laid down a late challenge to Lazuli, who was pushed out by William Buick for a neck verdict, with the same margin back to Emaraaty Ana in third.

Charlie Appleby said: “Lazuli came into this race fresh and well. We were due to run him again in Dubai but he unfortunately had a stone bruise on the eve of the race, so we were forced to miss that engagement.

“It took him a while to come right but we maintained his training again just before he flew back to the UK. He had a penalty today and I felt it was a good performance. William feels that Lazuli is likely to come forward for the race in terms of fitness.

“I haven’t really thought beyond today’s race. He is probably a G2 horse and, if he got the rub of the green, he might just pull something out in G1 company. He is a handy little horse to have around.”

William Buick said: “Lazuli has always threatened to be a really good sprinter and it is nice to get his European season off to a good start. He ran well in Dubai and has probably needed that today as well, so I think you will see some improvement in him.”