Talented grey colt Highland Avenue for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby is set to next be seen at Royal Ascot in the Group One St James's Palace Stakes, where the three year old will be stepping up to top company for the first time in his career.
The son of Dubawi has been five times during his career to date and has always been a horse with bundles of ability and now he gets his chance in one of the best mile races of the season.
Highland Avenue was first seen in December 2020, finishing a narrow second to a nice type for Henry Candy and at the second time of asking when upped to a mile he got off the mark in emphatic style.
Back at Kempton for a third time he made it back to back wins in a Conditions Stakes and then in April on turf debut at Newmarket, he saw off stablemate Secret Protector in the Listed Feilden Stakes.
Hat-trick!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 13, 2021
The beautifully-bred Highland Avenue (Dubawi x Lumiere) takes the step-up to Listed company in his stride in the feature for @the_doyler, Charlie Appleby and @godolphin @NewmarketRace pic.twitter.com/uOjRSMseGO
Last time out Highland Avenue was seen in the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown over a mile and finished a narrow second behind Mostahdaf, who looks a very nice type for the Gosden's
He is taking a huge step up in class in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, but his pedigree has always suggested these are the races he was bought to be competing in.
(Credit ATR) “Highland Avenue will go for the St James’s Palace Stakes" Appleby said.
“He finished second at Sandown. He’s come out of the race very well.“I was delighted with the run. He had the penalty. I believe when you go to Ascot you have to be battle-hardened, and he’s put that onto his CV now.
“Sandown was very much a stepping-stone to the St James’s Palace, as long as he ran well. I’m very much looking forward to seeing him on a quicker surface at Ascot.”