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Last Updated: 12/10/19 4:01pm
Pinatubo rounded off an unblemished juvenile campaign with an ultimately decisive victory in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Shamardal colt has carried all before him so far this season – progressing from a low-key debut win at Wolverhampton to landing the Woodcote at Epsom, the Chesham at Royal Ascot and the Vintage at Goodwood before a devastating nine-length romp in the National Stakes.
Charlie Appleby’s star juvenile was a prohibitively priced 1-3 favourite to make it six from six on the Rowley Mile – and while it was harder work than many expected, he was well on top at the line.
Ridden by William Buick, Pinatubo travelled strongly in the middle of pack before throwing down his challenge down the centre of the track.
Aidan O’Brien’s Arizona – a shade over nine lengths behind Pinatubo at the Curragh almost four weeks ago – certainly made more of a race of it on this occasion, and just for a moment threatened to spoil the party as he followed Pinatubo through.
However, Appleby’s charge asserted his authority after meeting the rising the ground and had two lengths in hand at the line.
Appleby said on ITV Racing: “I’m relieved, we can all try and be calm and composed beforehand but when you get a horse like this… we’ve all seen it with Enable last week, and it clearly means a lot to the public.
“Thankfully this horse has gone and done it and kept the dream alive for the winter.”
