Legend Of Time has measure of Jumeirah Guineas rivals

Legend Of Time continued a fine start to his three-year-old season with another decisive Meydan victory in the Jumeirah Guineas on Friday, 2 February.

Successful in the trial for the mile contest four weeks earlier, the Charlie Appleby-trained colt raced in a clear fourth as Musical Act and Azna battled for the early lead. Musical Act was left in front when Azna faded through the field three furlongs out, with Legend Of Time switched out at the top of the straight to launch his challenge on the leader and Shamrock Glitter.

Shamrock Glitter briefly took up the running from Musical Act over a furlong and a half from home but was soon headed by Legend Of Time, with the Godolphin runner forging clear to beat a staying-on Athan by two lengths.

Charlie Appleby said: “We felt stepping Legend Of Time up to a mile would see further improvement. Physically, he has improved but, trip wise, it was always going to suit, and the nine furlongs of the Jumeirah Derby will suit him even more.

“We are hopeful that we will see further progression from this horse. He is a bonny horse and always had an energy about him. As William said, as much as he has improved for the step up in trip, more importantly he is improving mentally as well.

“The profile he is building here, you could run him in a Derby trial back home, but personally I think he has a lovely profile for America. Something like the Saratoga Derby could be a race we work back from, but we will get the Jumeirah Derby out of the way first and then make a plan.”

William Buick said: “Legend Of Time has only improved. He went from winning his novice at Haydock in good style to running in the Sommerville Stakes at Newmarket, where he was a bit green.

“Then he came out here and won the trial for this race very well over seven furlongs. We always thought he would improve for stepping up to a mile tonight and that is what we have seen. He is progressing the whole time and will hopefully be a nice horse in the making.

“I think 10 furlongs is the route he will go. His ability enables him to win over shorter distances, but I think we will see the best of him over a mile and a quarter.”