Stateside option for Castle Way following G2 Great Voltigeur second

Castle Way could follow the same route as Yibir and head to the United States following a commendable second in the G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, UK, on Wednesday, 23 August.

Yibir used the 12-furlong contest as a springboard for wins in both the Jockey Club Derby and G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2021, while Old Persian and Cross Counter also graduated to significant international success after fighting out the finish in the York race in 2018.

Castle Way, who was looking to follow up his victory in the G3 Bahrain Trophy, was sluggish leaving the stalls and raced in a clear fourth as Artistic Star and Gregory disputed the early running.

William Buick switched Castle Way off the rail with a mile to race and closed up on the leading trio approaching the final half-mile. Castle Way went second passing the three-furlong pole and continued to stay on to hit the front over two furlongs out.

Continuous headed Castle Way soon after and readily took control, with the Charlie Appleby-trained colt seeing out the trip well to go down by nearly four lengths. G2 Queen’s Vase winner Gregory took third, a further length back.

Charlie Appleby said: “We were pleased with Castle Way. The fractions looked pretty quick on the front end – William [Buick] felt that he was close enough but full credit to the winner, who sat off us a bit further and was the class horse in the race.

“The main thing we will take out of today is that the St Leger trip will probably stretch him, so we will put him on the radar for the G3 Jockey Club Derby at Aqueduct. I think the track there and quick ground will be ideal, so it’s a potential next step.”