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Step up to Listed level proves right up Highland Avenue’s street

Racenews

Highland Avenue continued his unbeaten start to 2021 when comfortably beating Secret Protector as the duo dominated the nine-furlong Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket, UK, on Tuesday, 13 April.

Dubawi colt Highland Avenue was racing on turf for the first time following three all-weather appearances at Kempton Park that included two victories over a mile in January and March.

Settled in third behind New Treasure and Royal Champion, the Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-old stayed on strongly to hit the front for James Doyle just inside the final quarter-mile.

Highland Avenue forged clear over a furlong out and had plenty in reserve to see off stable-companion Secret Protector (William Buick) by a length and a quarter at the line, with the first two opening up a six-length advantage over third home Royal Champion.

James Doyle said: “Highland Avenue hasn’t done anything wrong in his career. He got beat first time out over seven furlongs, when he found it a little bit sharp. He is not a flashy workhorse but shows you enough to think that he is pretty decent. It’s more him improving on the track gradually – he won his second start and then the Kentucky Derby trial race pretty nicely, when he quickened up well. He has just improved mentally throughout each run.

“We tried him today over a little bit further and I think he will probably come back in distance. He surprised me with how well he travelled – he has been behind the bridle in his races but popped out well today, travelled strongly and responded a bit sharper than I thought he would when I asked him a question coming down to the two-furlong pole. That last half-furlong was a long way, so I think we will possibly come back to a mile.

“We were pretty hopeful coming into the race as both horses’ work had been decent. Secret Protector had a nice time out in Dubai, winning his only start out there pretty nicely, and came back in good shape. He certainly looks to be more of a stayer than Highland Avenue.

“Charlie said that we will take our time with Highland Avenue. He is probably not quite ready to jump into a really decent spot just yet, so we will treat him as a mid- to late-end prospect. I think he will come on massively for today’s race – he has improved with each start and I don’t see why he wouldn’t again.”