Talk Of New York was the talk of Newmarket on the Rowley Mile, where he lined up opposite Rebel's Romance’s brother Fortitudine in a high‑profile double for trainer Charlie Appleby. The colt, already well‑regarded after a third‑place finish in the St James's Palace Stakes behind Bow Echo and Gstaad, entered the Betway Joel Stakes as the 4‑9 favourite despite a disappointing run at Goodwood earlier in the season. From the start, Talk Of New York settled near the stands side, a position he has often favored.
As the field turned into the final furlong, he surged forward under jockey William Buick, taking the lead with a decisive burst of speed. He galloped clear of his rivals, eventually winning by an impressive four‑and‑three‑quarter lengths, a performance that left the crowd buzzing.
Appleby, who has been enjoying a period of excellent form, praised the colt’s effort. “After what he achieved in the St James's Palace, we came here with confidence. We had to put a line through Goodwood – it was just one of those days, and we’ve been there before.
His preparation leading up to this race looked solid, and it helped him win here in the spring. We often use the excuse of a dip in form when a horse is beaten, but I can’t make that argument today,” the trainer explained.
Looking ahead, Appleby hinted that Talk Of New York may be supplemented for one of the marquee events on Qatar Racing British Champions Day. However, he emphasized that the colt’s real target is next season, when he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Notable Speech in the mile division. “I’m not committing to the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes yet, but it’s on the table as a supplementary option.
William and I discussed waiting to see the ground in France for the Prix Daniel Wildenstein, but William was confident that a strong win in the Joel would keep the QEII open as a possibility. A bit of easier ground would suit him; he’s a decent‑sized horse who hits the ground hard. I’m not saying we’ll go to this year’s Breeders’ Cup, but we’re already planning for next year’s edition,” Appleby added. Appleby's afternoon improved further when Fortitudine, the brother of Talk Of New York, was backed into 15‑8 favourite status and secured a third consecutive victory in the Betway Godolphin Stakes.
After adding a Listed win to his résumé, Fortitudine now looks poised to follow his illustrious sibling to Dubai after a short break. “It’s always been our plan to get him out there and make an impact. He learned to race at Kempton, and today we made the running. Half a mile out you could see the others coming at him, and he responded by quickening again – maybe even twice.
He’s a small, delicate horse who thrives on individual care, but his ability to gallop and sustain his effort is unquestionable. We’ll give him a rest now and consider the City of Gold over a slick mile and a half in Dubai. William keeps comparing him to his brother, and that could be a future direction,” Appleby said. In other Newmarket action, Pensando A Te snatched victory in the Betway Rockfel Stakes for trainer Marco Botti and jockey Silvestre de Sousa, edging out Light Of Dawn in the final stride.
Light Of Dawn, a 5‑2 favourite after winning the Group Three Prestige Stakes at Goodwood, was challenged by the unbeaten Spirited Gesture, who was considered the filly’s biggest threat. Pensando A Te, who had previously finished second to Speed Of Sound on her Yarmouth debut and then won at Ascot, started at 15‑2. De Sousa gave her a measured ride, keeping her at the rear of the nine‑runner field before asking for a late run.
As the front‑runners Speed Of Sound and Light Of Dawn battled for the lead in the final stages, Pensando A Te produced a flying finish, winning by a short head. Botti praised his charge, saying, “It’s always rewarding when a two‑year‑old shows improvement late in the season.
We thought we might have been pushing her a bit early, but she has developed nicely. After a solid performance at Ascot in a small field, the plan at Newmarket was to settle her and unleash a late run. I didn’t expect her to win, but she proved she’s a nice filly for next year.” The Italian‑bred filly will now spend the winter aiming for a 1,000 Guineas campaign, with Coral offering odds of 20‑1 for classic glory.
Light Of Dawn, wearing the Wathnan Racing colours, held on for second place, just ahead of the fast‑finishing Ruby Moon. Wathnan’s racing adviser Richard Brown commented, “She ran a brilliant race; James said she wasn’t enjoying the ground, so credit to her for almost pulling it off.
We’ll give her a break now and consider a mile target next year, perhaps the French Guineas, though nothing is set in stone.” These results underscore a busy and successful day for Charlie Appleby’s stable, highlighting the depth of talent in his yard and the strategic planning that underpins their campaigns. With Talk Of New York and Fortitudine both delivering dominant performances, Appleby’s team will have plenty to contemplate as they map out the rest of the season and look ahead to the big targets on the British and international racing calendars.