Change of tactics pays off as Time To Turn denies old rival to claim Listed Pat Eddery Stakes for Godolphin

Charlie Appleby sharpened his aim ahead of the King George by making his sole runner of the day count when Time To Turn held on to victory in the Listed Pat Eddery Stakes. 

Godolphin's Dark Angel colt was out to reverse last month's Newbury form with A Bit Of Spirit and, although the Clive Cox colt made a lunge for home, William Buick was able to hold off the challenge by a head.

The 7f race has been won by the likes of Naval Power and Rosallion when previously staged after the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, in which Appleby runs Rebel's Romance, but the Listed race was moved to Friday's card this year. 

Appleby left assistant trainer Alex Merriam to deputise on Friday but he was still credited with a change in tactics which saw Time To Turn bring the yard's race record to five winners from its last seven runners. 

"He got chinned at Newbury, so we dropped him in and rode him to come home the right way," Merriam said. "He's pretty straightforward, so Charlie just felt we should give him the one run at the field, and it's worked out well. 

"There are no immediate plans for him yet but he's really strengthened up for his first couple of runs. This was the early target and we'll have a little regroup and see how he slots in with the rest of the seven-furlong types. Will said he has a good turn of foot but to stick to this trip."

Plenty of Petrol

Group company looks to be forthcoming for Princess Petrol after she got off the mark in style for Ed Walker in the 6f fillies' novice. 

She pulled readily clear of favourite Enamorus under Tom Marquand to win by three and a half lengths and could be destined to tackle the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes in October, a race her dam Mot Juste won in 2018.

Princess Petrol kicks off a double for Tom Marquand in the fillies' novice stakesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"That was really smart," Walker said. "She had a lovely intro at Newbury with George Downing and she's reaped the rewards here.

"We'll go seven furlongs next time. Her dam won the Oh So Sharp Stakes and those kind of races would be good for her. We'll definitely step up in class now."

The success was the first leg of a double for Marquand, who landed another comfortable win on Many Men for Epsom trainer Jim Boyle in the 2m handicap.

Pinhole bolts up

There was plenty of confidence behind Pinhole's handicap debut and the hot favourite duly delivered with a resounding victory in the £45,000 1m4f handicap. 

The Ralph Beckett-trained three-year-old was beaten in the Queen's Vase but looked much improved back down in trip under Rossa Ryan, streaking clear of Assail by more than five lengths.

Pinhole streaks clear under Rossa RyanCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's a big baby still but he's done well in the end," Ryan said. "I think as we go into the autumn with a bit more underfoot conditions he'll be happier and he'll get better with age. 

"He didn't fully get the mile and six furlongs last time but I wouldn't rule it out. I think he's got the right mentality but he's just a frame at the moment. He's back on track, that's the main thing, and they can make a plan with him now."

Get 60% off Racing Post+

Pricewise is red-hot after 22-1, 10-1, 10-1, 7-1 and 7-1 winners at Royal Ascot - make sure you never miss out by joining Racing Post+ Ultimate for £20 when you sign up via web using code PRICEWISE20 – that's a whopping 60% discount. Available only to new and returning customers. Subscription will auto-renew at £49.95 unless you call our cancellation line to cancel. Sign up now.