Talk Of New York looking to bounce back at Newmarket

As racing on the Rowley Mile returns it is no surprise to see Charlie Appleby at the heart of the action and before Inner City Blues goes for Middle Park glory on Saturday, Talk Of New York and Rebel’s Romance’s unbeaten brother Fortitudine take centre stage at Newmarket on Friday.

Always held in the highest regard, Talk Of New York held his own against the best of his generation when third to Bow Echo at Royal Ascot, but saw momentum checked when only second at Goodwood in his most recent outing.

He is primed to show his true colours in the Group Two Betway Joel Stakes back at the scene of a statement win in April and Appleby said: “I’ve been very pleased with him and I think you just have to put a line through his last run.

“I’m very happy with him and he comes here in great order. I think the make-up of the race will suit him and on what he has achieved, if he is anywhere near the level he was earlier in the summer, he should be the one to beat.”

Appleby will saddle half of the field in the Betway Godolphin Stakes, where regally-bred pair Fortitudine and Castlemont will both attempt to remain unbeaten, in a race also featuring Roger Varian’s improving Kokbastau seeking a four-timer.

After wowing with a 21-length success at Kempton on debut, Fortitudine returned to Sunbury to readily make all on his second start and now encounters grass for the first time as he makes the leap up to Listed level.

“We’ve got two, two from two horses in there and you can’t forget Roger’s horse who is on an upwards curve as well,” continued Appleby.

“Fortitudine is a horse who, and you can’t get away from it, we never fancied first time out and then he went out and did what he did. Without being as impressive the second time the figures stacked up nicely and he now goes in there as one of the highest rated in the race off 105.

“I think the quick ground will suit him out there and turf doesn’t worry me, if anything it brought out the best in Rebel’s Romance. It’s exciting and I’m very open minded about him.”

Castlemont, meanwhile, is another brother to a Group One winner in Bay Bridge and like his stablemate arrives having done little wrong in two appearances to date.

Appleby added: “He won on the turf first time at Windsor and backed it up at Southwell. He’s a stronger individual and more of a galloper.

“The ground might be a little bit tighter for him, but it’s just a nice opportunity for these three-year-olds to run at this level on turf at this time of year.”