'Long may it continue' - red-hot William Buick lands fourth Group race of week

Saturday: Dubai Duty Free Stakes (Registered As The Fred Darling Stakes), Newbury

Everything William Buick has touched has turned to gold this season and the in-form jockey recorded his fourth Group victory of the week when Wild Beauty stayed on best to claim the Fred Darling Stakes.

The jockey, who is favourite to land his first championship this year, has operated at a 45 per cent strike-rate in the last 14 days and won the Craven Stakes on Wednesday with 2,000 Guineas favourite Native Trail.

This victory was less straightforward. After cruising into contention, Wild Beauty disputed the lead with a furlong to travel but kept on gamely to finish half a length clear of the 11-4 favourite Jumbly.

The three-year-old scored at the highest level in Canada last year and Buick said: "She beat a Breeders' Cup winner and showed us last season she wanted a mile. She's always been very genuine.

"The team will make a decision and she'll have plenty of options. Any of the Guineas races would naturally be under strong consideration. The horses are running really well and long may that continue."

Wild Beauty was cut to 12-1 (from 20) for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas by Paddy Power and Betfair but has a number of big-race options. If she lines up at Newmarket next month, she would renew her rivalry with the ante-post favourite Inspiral, who beat her in the Fillies' Mile.

She may also have the option of the Poule D'Essai des Pouliches – the French 1,000 Guineas – for which she is available at 4-1 generally.

2.25 Newbury: full result and replay

Wild Beauty could head to the French 1,000 Guineas nextCredit: Mark Cranham

"She probably wants a mile and stepping up in trip will be the key," said Alex Merriam, assistant trainer to Charlie Appleby. "William was really happy with her performance. She's tough and straightforward.

"She's in the French and the English 1,000 Guineas but we'll let the dust settle before making a decision. An international campaign in the US was also mentioned but the plan has not yet been decided.

"Stepping up in trip should bring about improvement as her stamina is one of her strengths. She's not the speediest but she's not slow. She's by Frankel, who had a Derby and St Leger winner last year."

Jumbly, who finished a length and three-quarters ahead of Majestic Glory for Harry and Roger Charlton, was cut to 16-1 (from 25s) to turn the tables in the 1,000 Guineas by Paddy Power and Betfair.

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