Benbatl third on comeback in G2 Joel Stakes

Benbatl came home a close third on his return from a break in the G2 Joel Stakes over a mile at Newmarket, UK, on Friday, 25 September.

The Dubawi entire, switching back to turf for Saeed bin Suroor after filling the same position on dirt in the Saudi Cup in February, was sent to the front of the six runners by Frankie Dettori and soon established a narrow advantage over Top Rank.

Benbatl was pressed on both sides entering the final quarter-mile before being headed by this year’s 2,000 Guineas winner Kameko over a furlong from home. The six-year-old kept on resolutely but lost second to Regal Reality in the closing stages, going down by a length in total.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Benbatl ran well. Frankie Dettori felt that he needed the run and will improve for this race. He is entered in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the G1 Champion Stakes at Ascot [Saturday, 17 October] and we will have a look at both options, although it is important that the ground is not soft.”