Loxley back on song in G2 Dubai City Of Gold

Loxley returned to his best when beating G1 winner Defoe in a thrilling finish to the G2 Dubai City Of Gold Sponsored By Emirates SkyCargo at Meydan, UAE, on Super Saturday, 7 March.

The Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old, successful in the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville in August, 2018, raced freely in seventh towards the outside of the field for much of the 12-furlong turf contest under Mickael Barzalona.

Loxley was switched out widest of all in the straight and the son of New Approach quickened well to take up the running approaching the final furlong before seeing off the late thrust of Defoe for a short-head success. Mountain Hunter (Saeed bin Suroor/Pat Cosgrave) rallied well in the closing stages to come home third, a further length and a quarter back.

Charlie Appleby said: “Loxley is a horse we have always really liked but, to be honest, has disappointed in both starts at the Carnival this year. It is great to see him get his head back in front with such a nice performance.”

Mickael Barzalona added: “Loxley is a nice little horse and today he travelled a bit strong, but I was lucky to find a way to settle just behind Defoe. When he came into the straight, he did the job well.”