Al Qudra has all the answers in Listed Pat Eddery Stakes

Promising juvenile Al Qudra provided Godolphin with a fourth winner of the Listed Pat Eddery Stakes in the space of six years when making all at Ascot, UK, on Saturday, 27 July.

Al Dabaran, New Science and Naval Power had all struck for Charlie Appleby in recent years, with the trainer also saddling subsequent G1 winners Naval Crown and Ancient Wisdom to finish third in the same race. 

Stepping up to seven furlongs after coming home fifth in the G2 Coventry Stakes, Al Qudra broke sharply and led the five-strong field up the centre of the course. 

New Century tried to press for the lead approaching the final quarter-mile, but Al Qudra responded well for William Buick to reassert his advantage over a furlong out. The Godolphin colt powered further clear in the closing stages, hitting the line two and a quarter lengths in front.

Charlie Appleby said: “William’s plan was to go out and make the running – he ran well in the Coventry but William felt he was a bit too far back that day. We felt stepping up to seven would suit, together with riding him as if he’s the best horse in the race. 

“He is gaining experience and we will see whether he can make it up into a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf horse. He likes quicker ground and could be a fun one to take to Del Mar.”

William Buick added: “Al Qudra ran a good race in the Coventry Stakes, when I think I could have made more use of him, and I was adamant that I rode him wrong that day. He was stepping up in trip today and I rode him positively. He’s a real tough, honest horse who seems to be getting better.”