A sense of anticipation buzzed through Newmarket on Saturday as the Cambridgeshire Meeting reached its climax. The six-furlong Group One Tattersalls Cheveley Park Stakes saw Godolphin’s Wise Approach recover from an early stumble to claim a stirring victory, while Coolmore’s True Love extended Aidan O’Brien’s record with a powerful display in the fillies’ equivalent.
Wise Approach, the 11-8 favourite trained by Charlie Appleby, got off to a shaky start, stumbling from the gates under William Buick. But the Mehmas colt showcased his class, settling at the rear before unleashing a strong late surge to seize the lead inside the final furlong. Crossing the line three-quarters of a length ahead of Brussels, the colt gave Appleby his third Group One success of the day.
“The plan was to drop in and he did! All joking aside, it wasn’t an easy watch,” Appleby admitted. “He has a remarkable engine and we’ve glimpsed it before. William gave him a superb ride, and we’re absolutely delighted.” The trainer hinted that Wise Approach could target next season’s Commonwealth Cup.
Meanwhile, in the juvenile fillies’ feature, True Love lived up to her 2-1 favouritism in the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes. With Wayne Lordon stepping in for the injured Ryan Moore, the daughter of No Nay Never delivered a commanding performance, holding off Havana Anna by three-quarters of a length. O’Brien praised her power and temperament, suggesting she might be aimed at international targets such as the Breeders’ Cup next season.
The Group Two Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes opened the juvenile action, with George Boughey’s Bow Echo maintaining his unbeaten record. Racing for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the Night Of Thunder colt took command a furlong out under Billy Loughnane and recorded a length victory over Humidity. Boughey described Bow Echo as “the best colt I’ve trained,” hinting at Guineas ambitions for the promising miler.
The Cambridgeshire Day confirmed Newmarket’s reputation as a stage for juvenile excellence, with Godolphin and Coolmore sharing the spoils and leaving racing fans eager for the next generation of stars.
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