Super Naval Power scores again in Ascendant Stakes

Unbeaten juvenile Naval Power notched back-to-back Listed victories with an ultimately comfortable success in the Ascendant Stakes at Haydock Park, UK, on Saturday, 3 September.

The Teofilo colt, shouldering a 3lb penalty for his Listed Pat Eddery Stakes win at Ascot in July, raced in second on the inside of Lion Of War before Dancing Magic relegated the Godolphin runner to third after a furlong and a half.

William Buick had to wait for a gap to appear in the straight but Naval Power quickened between Dancing Magic and Lion Of War to hit the front over half a furlong from home.

Naval Power soon asserted over his rivals, galloping out strongly to prevail by a length and a quarter on his first appearance over a mile.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “It was another good learning day for Naval Power. William [Buick] got him into a nice box seat and he had to fight for his gap, but class has prevailed in the end.

“Naval Power had a penalty but brought experience into the race, while I was pretty confident that he would see the mile out well. Once the gap appeared, his stamina kicked in.

“The plan is to head towards the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes. We will think about the G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy but he is a son of Teofilo who loves a sound surface, so it’s more likely he will head to Newmarket before we put him away.

“On pedigree, he should be able to stretch out to a mile and a quarter and beyond, although he does have a lot of natural pace as well. He was very impressive over seven furlongs at Ascot and I thought he showed courage and class today over a mile.”