Bahrain Trophy second for Loxley

Loxley ran a good race to finish a clear second when stepping up to a mile and five furlongs for the first time in the G3 Bahrain Trophy on day one of Newmarket’s July Festival, UK, on Thursday, 12 July. 

The Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-old colt, an easy winner over 10 furlongs at the same course on 22 June, was held up by William Buick and settled as seventh of the eight runners. 

Loxley started to take closer order down the stands’ rail and went fourth with half a mile to race and quickened well to go second over two furlongs from home. 

The son of New Approach ran on and almost drew level with the leader Wells Farhh Go at one point, but in the end could not get to grips with the winner.  Wells Farhh Go made all to prevail by two lengths in 2m 44.78s on good to firm ground, with another five lengths between Loxley and Giuseppe Garibaldi in third.

Charlie Appleby said: “Loxley travelled into the race very well and I thought he was going to pick up the leader and finish it out.

“He was outstayed - he didn’t quite get that trip at this stage of his career. It was a pleasing run though.

“We will come back to a mile and a half and look at something like the Great Voltigeur (G2, York, August 22, 1m 3f 188y) - to be fair to the winner, he is a nice horse too, but he has outstayed us.

“Loxley lost nothing in defeat - it was only the fourth race of his career and hopefully it is a building process with him.”

William Buick added: “He is a good horse with the speed for a mile and a quarter, but I feel he will be best over a mile and a half.”