Devoted Queen takes another step forward with Listed success

Exciting filly Devoted Queen maintained her unbeaten record with a decisive victory in the Listed Michael Seely Memorial Stakes at York, UK, on Friday, 17 May.

Previously successful at Newmarket and Kempton Park, the Kingman homebred settled one off the rail in fifth after breaking on terms.

Devoted Queen stayed on strongly down the centre of the course with a furlong and a half to race, quickening by the leaders to hit the front approaching the final half-furlong.

The Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-old readily went clear under William Buick, crossing the line two lengths in front of Spiritual.

William Buick said: “I am delighted with Devoted Queen. Charlie decided to put a hood on her to enable her to relax a little bit, which she did lovely in the race. She travelled into it nicely – ideally, I would have liked to have waited a little bit longer – and got the mile well.

“She is only going to keep progressing and I’m sure the G1 Coronation Stakes is something that the team will discuss. She is only a baby and that was the first time she’s had a proper race. If she improves again for it, I’m sure Royal Ascot will be under consideration.”