Hollie Doyle © Photo Healy Racing
Outbox registered his first success for over two years as he ran out a shock 50-1 winner of the William Hill Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket.
The nine-year-old was scoring for the eighth time in his career and has long been a stalwart of Archie Watson’s string, but it was a welcome return to form following a spell in the doldrums.
Not for the first time aboard the gelded son of Frankel, regular rider Hollie Doyle seized the initiative from the moment the stalls opened, dictating the pace and kicking on as the runners entered the dip.
She had a willing partner who responded to every urging and although Harry Charlton’s 11-8 favourite Time Lock tried in vain, she was unable to bridge the deficit as Outbox galloped on to a two-and-a-half-length success – his first at Group Two level.
Doyle said: “I was quite surprised and he’s got so much ability, but he’s so quirky.
“He loves being fresh and I got an easy lead and he just got in such a good rhythm, enjoying himself – he’s a Group Two winner now.
“I built the pace between the four (furlong marker) and the three, and then between the three and the two I kind of slipped them a little bit. I knew he’d stay and it’s nice to have him back.
“I’ve had some really good days on him and his last win was the Amir Trophy two years ago so he was due one. He’s nine now and a bit of a yard legend. When he’s good, he’s good.”
Time Lock headed into the race as a track-and-trip winner after securing Group Three honours on the Rowley Mile last September and although she ultimately failed to repeat that success on her return, her trainer was keen to take positives.
She has a main summer target of the Group One Yorkshire Oaks during York’s Ebor meeting and could now head to Royal Ascot for an outing in the Hardwicke Stakes.
“She ran well and Ryan (Moore) was very happy with her, it was just the stop-start pace that didn’t play into her hands,” said Charlton.
“He was hoping the two in front may have pushed on to the leader and then Hollie kept going and quickened away from the three.
“I think the key to her is pace and wherever she gets some pace, she will show her best.
“She could run in something like the Hardwicke, but her main aim is the Yorkshire Oaks.”
