Oct 13,2024
Shadow Of Light justified the faith connections showed by supplementing him earlier in the week by getting up late to hold off Aidan O'Brien's Expanded by a neck in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
Winner of the Middle Park over six furlongs just two weeks ago, trainer Charlie Appleby intimated afterwards that his colt would likely be put away for the season and aimed at the Commonwealth Cup next term.
Therefore, it was a surprise on Monday morning when Shadow Of Light's name was added to the Group One, which traditionally decides the leading juvenile of the season.
Not many colts win the Middle Park and the Dewhurst, and for some years they were on the same day, which rendered it impossible, but US Navy Flag did manage the double in 2017.
Appleby already had one leading contender for the Dewhurst in unbeaten youngster Ancient Truth, but William Buick kept faith with Shadow Of Light, despite having an extra furlong to travel.
However, with each drop of rain turning the ground softer by the minute, confidence began to waver in the eventual even-money favourite, despite the absence of The Lion In Winter due to a foot problem.
Only five went to post yet they still split across Newmarket's great expanse, with Seagulls Eleven leading Shadow Of Light and O'Brien's other runner Rock Of Cashel, while Expanded gave Ancient Truth a lead until two furlongs out.
Having initially been behind, the smaller ground held sway heading into the dip and James Doyle went for home on Ancient Truth, but he could not shake off Aidan O’Brien’s once-raced Expanded.
As the two groups began to get closer, Shadow Of Light once again displayed his smart turn of foot and for the first time showed off his stamina, as he stayed on strongly to get home by a neck from Expanded, with Ancient Truth another neck back in third.
