Charlie Appleby recorded a third success in the $200,000 Dubai Millennium Stakes, having triumphed in 2018 and 2016 with Folkswood and Tryster, respectively.
The conditioner’s Spotify broke well and was sent to the front of the pack by James Doyle, setting a steady pace, reaching the 400m mark in 27.70 and 800m in 53.24. Stablemate Oasis Charm raced keenly in behind with Racing History on his inside in a good position. The pack was still tightly knit reaching the 1200m in 1.19.07 and it was still anyone’s race as they turned for home. Spotify attempted to draw clear into the final stretch with a sea of blue behind him all mounting their challenges. The son of Redoute’s Choice held by on a short head from a closing Racing History, with First Nation and Team Talk running on well for the third and fourth place in a time of 1.42.85.
24. The 5-year-old, who maintains his 100% record for Charlie Appleby, was previously a Listed winner in France for Christophe Ferland and has placed in a number of group races from 1600-2000m.
“Firstly, it was a great ride by James on the front end,” Appleby said, “He got him into a nice rhythm. The horse digs deep when they come to him. Full credit to him. We thought he came forward from that last start and coming back in trip would suit. Good performance and delighted for the team. That might be this Carnival wrapped up for him. We will point him to a European campaign. As always, we’ll get them back and see how they are and regroup. We had a strong team of horses in there and it was always going to be a tactical race and James got his fractions right on the front end.”
Christophe Soumillon rode runner-up Racing History and was happy with his performance, though concerned that his path may have been impeded.
“He ran really well. They didn’t go very fast,” he said. “When I came into the straight, I thought we would get it, but the winner hangs out.”
William Buick offered no comment on beaten favorite First Nation’s performance.
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com