Seacruiser has his connections dreaming of Classic success after claiming his first win at Newmarket.
Trained by Ralph Beckett, the son of Sea The Stars was purchased for 200,000 guineas as a yearling. Although he faced interference as the beaten favourite on his debut at Goodwood, he came back strong. Sent off as the 11-8 favourite for the Rossdales British EBF Maiden Stakes on the Rowley Mile, he encountered no traffic issues this time. Jockey Rossa Ryan took command from the start, leading all the way to secure a length-and-a-quarter victory over Charlie Appleby’s Present Times.
Despite his impressive win, Paddy Power kept him unchanged at 50-1 for next year’s Derby, as connections indicated they might not race him again this season. Jamie McCalmont, racing manager for owner Marc Chan, said, "I don’t think he will race again this year. He was always meant to be a horse for next year. We’ll likely put him away now and start dreaming about what’s ahead. I’m just really pleased to see him win today."
Also, pleasing favourite backers was Charlie Appleby’s Olympus Point, which triumphed as the 6-4 favourite in the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Nursery Handicap. The son of Earthlight, having placed in all three previous starts, thrived with the step-up to a mile and the soft conditions under jockey William Buick.
Assistant trainer Alex Merriam noted, "He’s run some nice races, and stepping up to a mile seems to have helped him. While his pedigree doesn’t scream a mile, he handled it well. Now that he’s won, we’ll see how he progresses. He could join our Dubai Carnival team, especially since he’s performed well in soft ground."
Trainer Grant Tuer, jockey Sam James, and owners Nick Bradley Racing celebrated their second valuable handicap victory in as many days with Sophia’s Starlight (13-2). The four-year-old displayed a fighting spirit to win the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap, adding to their big win with Love Talk at Goodwood on Wednesday.
James remarked, "She’s had a few minor issues this year, but Grant believed she was in good form today. She loved the soft ground, and she was tough out there. After a little freshen-up, I don’t think she’s the easiest filly to manage, but they do a great job with her at home. I’m grateful to Nick for putting me back on her after my suspension, and it’s nice to repay him with a couple of winners."