Well-bred Divine Image makes heavenly debut at Chelmsford

Well-bred debutant Divine Image made a big impression on her belated debut for Charlie Appleby by winning the fillies' novice stakes at Chelmsford on Thursday night by six lengths.

The daughter of Scat Daddy, perhaps one of the last of the sire's offspring to be sold at auction, cost Godolphin €360,000 in May and pulled away well to beat Stratification at the Essex track.

Divine Image will now join Appleby's star-studded Dubai team and be aimed at the UAE 1,000 Guineas on January 31.

Appleby said: "She really pulled away at the end and, as she's by Scat Daddy, she had the right action and a run style which should suit Meydan. With her pedigree we've always aimed towards the Guineas and the way she ran yesterday cemented her position in the Dubai team.

"We're not sure if William [Buick] will be back for the ride, but if he is he'll be in the saddle. We've got a few horses in that race, so we will work the pecking order out when we're there."

Appleby trains another horse by Scat Daddy, Art Song, who also won on his all-weather debut and will head to Dubai.

The trainer added: "I've only had the two by Scat Daddy and they've both been winners. They're physically very strong."

James Doyle took the ride at Chelmsford, his only booking of the day, and he said: "She was slowly away from the gate, but we got a nice pitch. She was a bit on and off the bridle but once she clicked into gear she picked up well – she's a nice one to look forward to."

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