Mysterious Night dealt tough hand with G3 Poker Stakes second

Mysterious Night flashed home after meeting trouble in running to grab second in the G3 Poker Stakes at Saratoga, USA, on Saturday, 8 June.

Victorious in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort earlier this year, the Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old broke on terms and soon raced in third down the inner rail behind Ice Chocolat and Talk Of The Nation.

Casa Creed moved up on the outside of Mysterious Night at the top of the lane, forcing William Buick to delay his challenge until he was able to find space entering the final furlong.

Mysterious Night unleashed a late charge, snatching the runner-up spot from Talk Of The Nation in the final stride to finish a length behind Ice Chocolat.

Charlie Appleby said: “It was a pleasing run from Mysterious Night. You need a little luck around the turf course at Saratoga and Will [Buick] couldn’t get the gap when he wanted it. He has run to the line and there is sure to be a race of this calibre in him at some point over the summer.”