Class tells as Space Blues strikes in G2 City Of York Stakes

G1 winner Space Blues secured another major success over his favoured seven-furlong distance with a cosy win in the G2 City Of York Stakes at York, UK, on Saturday, 21 August.

Last season’s Prix Maurice de Gheest hero, who was fourth on his European return for Charlie Appleby in the G2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood in late-July, was held up towards the rear of the nine runners.

Space Blues travelled strongly to dispute the running on the bridle passing the two-furlong pole and lengthened clear after being asked to win his race by William Buick soon after.

The Dubawi entire was eased on the line to come home a length and a half ahead of Highfield Princess, with a neck back to Glorious Journey in third.

Charlie Appleby said: “We were very pleased with Space Blues, who went into the race as the one to beat and did it nicely.

“The aim now will be to go straight to the G1 Prix de la Foret on Arc weekend. We have tried to get him to that race for the last couple of years but hopefully we can get a clean run with him this time.”

William Buick said: “Space Blues settled well, which he does nowadays in his races. The loose ground on top was a bit of an unknown – it’s shifting a bit beneath the horses – and he was struggling with it early on. When he changed gear and lowered himself, he really found his stride.

“It was a good performance and what we wanted to see from him. He ran so well on soft ground in the Lennox Stakes, when the race didn’t work out as we hoped it would. He was entitled to come on for that run and it was lovely to see him back like that today.

“Seven furlongs is probably his best trip. I think he is quick enough for six furlongs but I’m not sure that he is at his best over that distance. A stiff six on good or softer ground might suit but, when you look through his form, the best of it is over six and a half and seven.”