Godolphin's Volkan Star wins G3 Prix du Lys

Dubai - The three-year-old from Sea The Stars got into an early lead before holding on to beat Ketil by three-quarter lengths.

Godolphin's Volkan Star landed his first Group winner by emerging victorious in the Group 3 Prix du Lys at Longchamp in France on Tuesday.
The three-year-old from Sea The Stars, ran a fine race under jockey William Buick, going into an early lead before holding on to beat Ketil by three-quarter lengths.
Charlie Appleby's charge brought up his third victory in six starts.
"We were coming into today's race with some confidence on the back of Volkan Star's form lines in the UK. We were hopeful that he had that form behind him and that stepping up in trip would see a bit more improvement. It was a nice, straightforward victory.
"He is growing up all the time and I am delighted that we brought him over here. I was keen to bring him over to hopefully educate him for a little bit further down the line," said Appleby.
"It was always our plan to try and make it a nice, even gallop on the front end and he has done that. When they have come to him, he has found a bit more, so it was pleasing. We haven't set our sights on anything else just yet. William said to keep a mile and a half for now, so we will aim for something slightly higher over this trip," the Briton added.
Meanwhile Buick said: "Volkan Star is a stayer. He was pricking his ears in front but we were going uphill and I was happy. He is a very nice horse, who is still a big baby, and will improve a lot. Today was his first time over a mile and a half and we always hoped that this distance would be better for him. I think his future for now is over this trip."
james@khaleejtimes.com