Lazuli strikes in Scurry heat

Appleby runner lifts Sandown Listed prize.

Lazuli made all of the running to claim a cosy victory in the Unibet Scurry Stakes at Sandown.

Second in a strong Newmarket handicap last weekend, Charlie Appleby had no qualms in turning him out again quickly.

Bounced out of the stalls by William Buick, he grabbed the far rail and was well in control at halfway.

Buick was looking around for non-existent dangers on the 15-8 favourite and following a squeeze, he shot clear leaving the others for dust.

Lazuli drifted into the centre of the track close home, but given he was so far clear of Keep Busy – three and a half lengths – it made no difference.

Market rival Sunday Sovereign missed the kick and was always on the back foot, trailing in last while Dream Shot, who had run well on his comeback in Group company, always seemed to be going a stride too fast.

Buick said: “He ran very well at Newmarket last weekend and he was very good today, very quick.

“He gave me a good feel and coming back from six to five now, he will be a good sprinter.

“He would stay six, but he is quick enough for five and you can ride him with that bit more confidence that he will get home.

“For a relatively inexperienced horse, he has a lot of race experience and obviously a lot of speed.

“I thought it was a decent race, I didn’t think it would be easy for him, but he handled it well.

“He had a wind op since he disappointed at the end of last season and obviously it has worked well.

“He’s a three-year-old sprinter, he feels like a proper sprinter and I can only see him improving. I certainly wouldn’t want to set any limits on how high I think he can go.

“Charlie will make a plan, but the programme is pretty tricky for three-year-old sprinters. I think he’s a very nice horse in the making, that’s for sure.”

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Charlie Appleby Sandown William Buick

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