Victory Queen up and running with stylish HQ verdict

Victory Queen made the perfect start to her racing career when upholding family honour in the bet365 British EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Newmarket.

A half-sister to 2000 Guineas and Royal Ascot hero Coroebus, Charlie Appleby’s daughter of Kingman was sent off at 100-30 for her debut at the scene of one of her sibling’s finest hours.

And she delivered a performance that suggests she could be a smart performer in her own right, as having moved into contention, she scooted clear of what on paper read as a smart collection of rivals.

Andrew Balding’s 9-4 favourite Zgharta did close the gap in the closing stages to half a length under Hollie Doyle, but paid the price for being outpaced at a time when William Buick was moving stylishly forwards on Victory Queen.

Appleby’s assistant Alex Merriam said: “It’s her first and run and she was learning on the job a bit, but she’s done it all quite smoothly.

“She was up against a few more experienced horses and on this ground especially I think it’s an advantage if you’d had a run, so hopefully she’ll improve for it.

“Speaking to Charlie there I think we’ll probably find another novice for her and just creep away and see how we go, nothing too exciting yet.

“William seems happy enough with her and I think we’re happy to stick to a mile for the time being.”

Appleby, Buick and Godolphin then doubled up on the day as Treasure Fleet took the Each Way Extra At bet365 Handicap by a length and a half as the 9-4 favourite.