Shadow Of Light leads trio targeting G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest glory

Champion Two-Year-Old Shadow Of Light, emerging sprinter Symbol Of Honour and G1-winning miler Tribalist provide Godolphin with three strong chances in the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest on Sunday.

Shadow Of Light makes a second straight appearance at Deauville for Charlie Appleby after finishing a close fourth in a blanket finish to last month’s G1 Prix Jean Prat.

Winner of the G1 Middle Park Stakes and G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes in 2024, the Lope de Vega colt was third behind Ruling Court in this season’s G1 2,000 Guineas before finding the ground too fast in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, in which he was fifth.

Shadow Of Light stands out as one of Godolphin’s brightest prospects—a homebred colt boasting an exceptional pedigree and a track record of success at Group 1 level.

Stablemate Symbol Of Honour has notched up four wins over six furlongs in the UAE and the UK this season, including gamely taking the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park in May.

The son of Havana Grey was beaten around three lengths in total when coming home eighth in Newmarket’s G1 July Cup on his latest outing.

Tribalist is the most experienced runner in the field, although the Farhh entire has spent the vast majority of his career over a mile, notably defeating a top-class field in last season’s G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp.

Trained by Andre Fabre, Tribalist has lined up over six furlongs at Deauville in the last two renewals of the G3 Prix de Ris-Orangis and finished third after making the running in this year’s edition in July.

Charlie Appleby said: “We are slightly watching the weather for both horses, who head to Deauville in good shape.

“Symbol Of Honour ideally wants a sound surface, whereas Shadow Of Light wouldn’t want it too quick.

“Shadow Of Light has run solid races all year without getting his head in front, and this should be a nice distance for him. We are hopeful that, if he can run up to his best two-year-old form, it will make him very competitive.

“Symbol Of Honour ran a very creditable race in the July Cup and I feel that the six and a half furlongs here will be a good trip for him,” he added.

Louise Benard of Godolphin said: “Tribalist’s optimum trip is slightly further than this distance, but we were very happy with his run in the Prix de Ris-Orangis, when he had a good lesson over Deauville’s straight course. He will probably be ridden at a pace where he is comfortable, and we are hoping for the best against some strong opposition.”

Dance To The Music seeks Sweet result at Newmarket: Promising debut winner Dance To The Music is set to take a significant step up in both class and trip as she lines up for the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket’s July Course on Saturday.

The talented two-year-old daughter of Dubawi, and full-sister to Group 1 Prix de la Foret winner Space Blues, made an eye-catching start to her career with a composed victory in a six-furlong fillies’ maiden on the Rowley Mile back in May.

Despite showing signs of inexperience, she managed to power through the field and claim victory by a length—an effort that has since gained even more credibility with form being franked by her rivals.

Trainer Appleby is confident that the step up to seven furlongs will bring out even more in the progressive filly. Speaking ahead of the race, Appleby said: “The form of Dance To The Music’s maiden win has worked out well and stepping up to seven furlongs will definitely suit. She looks in great order and should be a leading player.”

With her pedigree, performance, and preparation all pointing in the right direction, Dance To The Music will be one to watch closely as she takes on some of the most promising fillies of her generation in what promises to be a competitive renewal of the Sweet Solera Stakes.