Talk Of New York was the talk of Newmarket on the Rowley Mile, lining up opposite Rebel’s Romance’s brother Fortitudine in a high‑profile double for trainer Charlie Appleby. The colt, already respected 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 he settled near the rail, a position he has often favoured in group races, and as the field turned into the home straight he surged forward under William Buick. In the final furlong he accelerated with authority, pulling clear to win by four and three‑quarter lengths, a performance that left the crowd cheering and underscored his status as a top‑class miler. Appleby, who has been enjoying a rich vein of form, praised the colt after the race: "After what he did in the St James's Palace we came here with confidence.
The Goodwood run was a one‑off off‑day, but his preparation for this race was spot on. We often talk about a dip in form when a horse is beaten, but today there was no excuse for him." Looking ahead, Appleby hinted that Talk Of New York could be supplemented for one of the Qatar Racing‑sponsored events at British Champions Day, although he believes the horse’s true moment will arrive next season when he is expected to take on the mantle left by Notable Speech in the mile division. "I'm not ruling out the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, but we will keep the supplementary option on the table," Appleby said.
"William and I discussed the possibility of waiting for the ground in France for the Prix Daniel Wildenstein, but William felt that a decisive win in the Joel would open the QEII as a realistic target." Appleby also noted that a bit of give in the ground would suit the colt, describing him as a sizeable horse who likes to hit the ground hard. He stopped short of committing to this year's Breeders' Cup, instead saying his long‑term plan is to aim for next year's edition.
Appleby's afternoon improved further when Fortitudine, also trained by Appleby, was backed to 15‑8 favourite and secured a third consecutive victory in the Betway Godolphin Stakes. The brother of Talk Of New York, after adding a first Listed win to his record, now looks set for a potential Dubai campaign after a brief spell. "Our intention has always been to give him a chance abroad," Appleby explained.
"He learned his basics at Kempton, and today he showed a remarkable turn of foot half a mile out, accelerating twice in quick succession. He is a small, delicate horse who thrives with individualized care, and his ability to sustain a gallop is his biggest asset. After a rest, we may target the City of Gold over a slick mile and a half in Dubai. William keeps drawing parallels with his brother, and that could shape our future plans." In other Newmarket action, Pensando A Te produced a late surge to deny Light Of Dawn the Betway Rockfel Stakes.
The Karl Burke‑trained Light Of Dawn, a 5‑2 favourite after winning the Group Three Prestige Stakes at Goodwood, was challenged by John and Thady Gosden’s unbeaten filly Spirited Gesture, who was considered her main rival. Riding for Silvestre de Sousa, Pensando A Te had been held at the rear of the nine‑runner field before being asked to make a late run.
As Speed Of Sound and Light Of Dawn vied for the lead in the final furlong, Pensando A Te accelerated sharply, crossing the line a short head ahead. Botti, the trainer of Pensando A Te, commented: "It’s always gratifying when a two‑year‑old shows improvement late in the season. We thought we might have been pushing her a little early, but she has developed nicely. At Ascot she handled a small field well, and today the plan was to settle her and unleash a late finish.
She surprised us by getting there, and I see a bright future for her next year." The Italian‑bred filly will now spend the winter aiming for a 1000 Guineas campaign, with Coral offering her at 20‑1 for the classic. Meanwhile, Light Of Dawn, racing in the colours of Wathnan Racing, held on for second place, just edging out the fast‑finishing Ruby Moon. Racing adviser Richard Brown praised her effort: "She ran a blinder, even though James Doyle felt the ground wasn’t to her liking.
It was a huge effort and she nearly pulled it off. We'll give her a break now and consider a mile campaign next year, perhaps even a French Guineas run." These performances illustrate the depth of talent currently on display in British flat racing, with trainers like Appleby and Botti balancing immediate targets and long‑term plans for their promising horses. The upcoming weeks will see further decisions on supplemental entries, international trips, and classic aspirations, keeping fans and punters alike on the edge of their seats.