Hawkbill digs deep to lead Charlie Appleby 1-2
Having a good understudy can often reap rewards and Hawkbill emphasised that in leading home a one-two for trainer Charlie Appleby in the Princess of Wales's Arqana Racing Club Stakes at Newmarket.
After failing to fire last time out in France, the four-year-old bounced back to the level of form that saw him capture last year's Coral-Eclipse with a tenacious success from the front in the Group Two contest.
Despite being given an easy time up front, the son of Kitten's Joy looked set to be collected by his stablemate Frontiersman inside the final two furlongs of the mile-and-a-half prize, until a late wander cost him momentum at a vital stage.
Although William Buick straightened the 5-4 favourite up to renew his challenge, it was too little too late, with Hawkbill finding more to prevail by three-quarters of a length and complete a double for jockey James Doyle.
Appleby said: "Hawkbill was out there on his own merits, but we felt he might help the other horse bring some stamina into play. If you let Hawkbill free on the front end he has proven time after time he is a dangerous horse left alone.
"I said to James don't be frightened, we are looking forward to seeing what Frontiersman can do but ride your own race and let him lengthen. He gave him a peach of a ride.
"Frontiersman has run a solid race. He has wandered about a bit. He is still a bit inexperienced and hopefully he will get better with racing.
"I don't think we should run away from taking a look at the King George with Frontiersman. With Hawkbill at the end of the day his an Eclipse winner and multiple Group winner and I am delighted for him."
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