Talk Of New York was the talk of Newmarket on the day he lined up alongside Rebel's Romance's brother Fortitudine in a high‑profile double for trainer Charlie Appleby on the Rowley Mile. 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 moment the gates opened, Talk Of New York settled near the stands side, a position he has often favoured in previous group races.
Under the steady hands of William Buick, he surged forward with a powerful stride as the field turned into the final furlong. The momentum he generated was unassailable, and he stretched his lead to a dominant four‑and‑three‑quarter lengths by the finish line, leaving his rivals far behind. Appleby, who has been enjoying a spell of excellent form, praised the colt's performance: "After what he showed in the St James's Palace, we came here with confidence.
We needed to erase the memory of Goodwood, and today we did exactly that. His preparation leading up to this race was spot on, and the result proves that. We often blame a dip in ground when a horse is beaten, but there is no excuse here." Looking ahead, Appleby hinted that connections may consider supplementing Talk Of New York for one of the marquee events on Qatar Racing British Champions Day.
However, he stressed that the colt's true target lies in the following season, when he will be asked to fill the sizeable shoes left by Notable Speech in the mile division. "I'm not ruling out the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, but it remains an option that we could explore later," Appleby added. "William and I discussed the possibility of waiting to see the ground in France for the Prix Daniel Wildenstein, but William felt that if we win the Joel Stakes convincingly, the QEII becomes a realistic goal." Appleby also reflected on the colt's physical attributes, noting that a bit of give in the ground would suit him well because he is a substantial horse who hits the ground hard. He stopped short of confirming any plans for this year's Breeders' Cup, instead saying his focus is on building towards next year's championship event.
The good news did not stop there. About thirty minutes after Talk Of New York's triumph, Appleby's other contender, Fortitudine, was backed to 15‑8 favourite and delivered a third consecutive win in the Betway Godolphin Stakes. The younger brother, who had already secured a Listed victory earlier in the season, now looks poised to follow his more illustrious sibling to Dubai after a brief spell. Appleby explained the strategy behind Fortitudine's campaign: "We always intended to give him a chance in Dubai, and he thrives when he gets to gallop.
He learned his basics at Kempton, and today he showed his class by taking the lead early and responding to challenges half a mile out. I think he even accelerated twice in the final stages." He also highlighted the colt's temperament and training environment: "He's housed in a small yard at home because he isn’t the biggest or most robust type, and he appreciates the individual care he receives there. His biggest asset is his ability to sustain a gallop over a long distance.
After this race we’ll give him a rest and then consider a trip to Dubai for the City of Gold over a slick mile and a half. William keeps drawing parallels with his brother, and that could shape our future plans." 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, trained by Karl Burke, had started as the 5‑2 favourite after a Group Three Prestige Stakes win at Goodwood, with the unbeaten Spirited Gesture from the Gosdens seen as her main 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 patient ride, keeping her at the rear of the nine‑runner field before launching a late run. As the front‑runners Speed Of Sound and Light Of Dawn contested the lead over the rising ground in the final furlong, Light Of Dawn briefly took charge, only for Pensando A Te to surge forward and claim the win by a short head. Botti praised his filly: "It’s always encouraging 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.
She performed well at Ascot in a small field, and today we aimed to settle her and finish strongly. I didn’t expect her to win, but she proved she can compete at this level and will be a solid contender next year." Light Of Dawn, racing in the colours of Wathnan Racing, held on for second place, narrowly beating Ruby Moon. Racing adviser Richard Brown commented: "She ran a brilliant race, even though James Doyle felt she wasn’t enjoying the ground. Credit to her for almost pulling it off.
We’ll give her a break now and consider a mile target next season, perhaps the 1000 Guineas, though we may also look to France." Overall, the meeting showcased the depth of talent in the current generation of three‑year‑olds and highlighted Charlie Appleby’s growing stable of high‑class milers. With Talk Of New York and Fortitudine both delivering impressive victories, Appleby’s operation appears well‑positioned for the upcoming Classics and the international campaigns that follow. The next few months will likely see strategic decisions about supplemental entries, ground preferences, and long‑term targets such as the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, the British Champions Day races, and eventually the Breeders' Cup in the United States.
The season is shaping up to be a compelling narrative for fans of British flat racing.