Noble Style displays plenty of panache in G2 Gimcrack Stakes

Noble Style maintained a faultless start to his career as he powered home from the rear to win the six-furlong G2 Gimcrack Stakes at York, UK, on Friday, 19 August.

The Kingman colt had been expected to be a key contender for Royal Ascot following an impressive debut at the Berkshire course in May but bypassed the June highlight before scoring under a penalty at Newmarket at the end of July.

After breaking on terms, Noble Style was restrained in last of the 12-strong field by William Buick. The Charlie Appleby-trained juvenile took closer order down the stands’ side approaching the two-furlong pole and showed good acceleration to go second over a furlong out, drifting towards the centre of the course in the process.

Noble Style straightened up soon after and headed Marshman with just under half a furlong to race before quickening clear to score by a length and a quarter.

Charlie Appleby said: “We have always held Noble Style in high regard and have been very lucky to be able to give him the time that we felt he needed. He broke his maiden in a strong race at Ascot and all roads were leading to Royal Ascot. Two weeks out from Royal Ascot, we weren’t happy with him – there were no issues but he wasn’t showing us the same horse that he had been prior to winning his maiden.

“We took the novice route at Newmarket and were very happy with the way he came out of that race physically. He galloped earlier this week and looked as good as ever. We came here with confidence but there was plenty of strength in depth in today’s race.

“He has won well and the nice part about Noble Style is that he went through the line strongly. It’s whether we go for the Middle Park Stakes next or step up to seven furlongs. The next couple of weeks are very important for all the two-year-olds as they try and find their feet with some important races coming up.

“I see no reason why Noble Style wouldn’t stay a mile in the 2,000 Guineas. He has a pedigree that suggests he will get it for sure and he does it all very nicely. He is up there with our best two-year-olds this season but we have a nice group of colts. Noble Style has done it, whereas the others have yet to do it, so he is top of the tree at the moment.”

William Buick added: “We are still learning about Noble Style and today was a test for him. He came through it very well and will have learnt a lot. I loved the way, when he put himself together, he found a stride and really knuckled down.”