Royal Fleet

Royal Fleet did well to win the one-mile three-year-old handicap at Newmarket on Saturday, given how keen he was through the early stages of the race. Free through the first couple of furlongs, William Buick then allowed him roll along instead of fighting against him, and allowed him drift over towards the far rail. Up with the leaders Qaader and Darvel, he travelled well on the far side, William Buick didn’t really go for him until they raced to the furlong pole and, when he did, he kept on well, he was always holding Latest Generation who finished off his race well down the near side, with the pair of them nicely clear.

This was just Royal Fleet’s third run, and it was his first since he won a novice stakes at Yarmouth in April. He still hasn’t been beaten, he is three for three, and he should continue to improve as he gains experience and hopefully learns to settle better. A half-brother to Royal Crusade, who won a Group 3 race over six furlongs in France, in which he beat Glen Shiel into second place, Charlie Appleby’s colt does stay this mile, but he could be even better over seven furlongs. He is an unexposed and lightly-raced colt, and he will be of interest wherever he goes next.
Newmarket, 10^th July 2021