Pinatubo has cemented his standing as Europe’s leading juvenile with a decisive victory in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Godolphin colt has carried all before him so far this season – progressing from a low-key debut win at Wolverhampton to landing the Woodcote at Epsom, the Chesham at Royal Ascot and the Vintage at Goodwood before a devastating nine-length romp in the National Stakes.
The Charlie Appleby-trained star juvenile was the 1-3 favourite to make it six from six – and while it was harder work than many expected, he was well on top at the line.
Ridden by William Buick, Pinatubo travelled strongly in the middle of pack before throwing down his challenge.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Arizona threatened to spoil the party for a moment as he followed Pinatubo through.
But Appleby’s charge asserted his authority and had two lengths in hand at the line.
“He has been a very special horse this year for all to see,” Appleby said.
“I’m sure you saw him walking around the paddock – he is a horse that has this demeanour about him that you can’t get excited about in the mornings. I’d be making it up to say he was a ‘wow’ horse.
“In the mornings he goes about his business and I said to Will before I legged him up, ‘you would think he is an older horse walking around in a handicap here’.
“He showed great courage today. He travelled nicely, but in this ground he had to dig deep. Will gave him a fantastic ride and once he came to the fight he wasn’t going to lie down.”
Paddy Power left Pinatubo unchanged as the 11-10 favourite for next year’s 2000 Guineas, while William Hill trimmed him to evens. He is 8-1 with Racebets to win both the Guineas and the Derby.
Pinatubo’s owner Sheikh Mohammed celebrated his fifth win in the Dewhurst with Ajdal (1986), Scenic (1988) and Pennekamp (1994) scoring in his own colours and Dawn Approach (2012) and Pinatubo carrying the royal blue silks of Godolphin.
“When you win like that, with the horse showing a lot of courage, it must make you very pleased,” he said.
“We all love him. I will enjoy the winter and look forward to him and others next year.”
Credit: PAA