Mysterious Night in a different class to G1 Summer Stakes rivals

Mysterious Night provided trainer Charlie Appleby with back-to-back renewals of the G1 Summer Stakes as he recorded a resounding victory in the juvenile highlight at Woodbine, Canada, on Saturday, 17 September.

The progressive Dark Angel colt went into the Breeders’ Cup qualifier, won by Albahr in 2021, on the back of some strong European form, including success in the G3 Prix Francois Boutin in France on his previous start.

After breaking half a stride slowly, Mysterious Night soon recovered to race in fourth on the inside rail. He quickened powerfully to go second at the top of the straight and was angled out by William Buick soon after.

Mysterious Night loomed up to Ninetyfour Expos a furlong and a half out and soon took charge, lengthening away from the field before being eased close home to score by nearly six lengths.

Alex Merriam of Godolphin said: “William [Buick] was keen to get some cover, so it worked out well when two horses went forward and Mysterious Night slotted in. He switched off and has done it nicely in the end. He is a lovely horse – his sister Althiqa won a couple of G1s in North America and it’s a lovely family.”

William Buick said: “We knew Mysterious Night was going to like the fast ground and he travelled through the race beautifully. I was quite impressed with the way he picked up. He was giving me plenty of confidence throughout and hopefully he can go on from here.”