5 May 2023Promising three-year-old Castle Way spearheaded a memorable European result for Almanzor when he won the Listed Newmarket Stakes over 2000 metres.
The Charlie Appleby-trained colt earned a likely Royal Ascot start when he defeated Circle Of Fire, also a son of our shuttle stallion.
“I would say Ascot (for the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes) would be next and the only reason I didn’t put him in the Derby picture was he went around Epsom last year and got beat around there as favourite,” Appleby said.
“Admittedly the ground was soft but Adam (Kirby, jockey) said he hated the track and he is just one of those horses that is a big unit.”
Purchased by the powerful Godolphin operation as a yearling for 425,000gns, Castle Way went to the front 800 metres from home and stayed on strongly under jockey William Buick to score by a length and three-quarters.
“I am very pleased with Castle Way. It was his first run of the year and he will improve physically,” Buick said.
“I think he will get a mile and a-half. He has got that nice combination of speed and stamina over that trip.
“He is a well-balanced horse, which you have to be at Newmarket. He couldn’t have done anymore.”
Castle Way has now won three of his five starts for Godolphin while the Sir Michael Stoute-prepared Circle Of Fire, who carries the Royal silks, has a victory and two placings from three outings.
While Circle Of Fire was unable to provide a timely Royal success on the eve of the Coronation The King’s Racing Manager John Warren was pleased with his effort.
“He’s run very nicely for only his third start and as you could see, he looks as though he will go up another gear if he goes another two furlongs,” Warren said.
“I haven’t spoken to (Sir) Michael (Stoute, trainer) yet, but he looks a horse for Royal Ascot. The owners will definitely be able to attend that one, so that’s nice. They were a little busy today!"