Back with a bang: Benbatl returns with electric victory in Joel Stakes

Globetrotter Benbatl gave British racegoers a reminder of his considerable capabilities when making all to register his first win on home soil in two years in the Group 2 Shadwell Joel Stakes.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained flagbearer was last seen chasing home the mighty Winx in Australia last winter but let the others do the chasing this time around when making all for an emphatic five-length triumph from favourite King Of Comedy.

A three-time Group 1 winner in 2018, Benbatl will be performing at that level again at Ascot next month where he has the option of the Qipco Champion Stakes or Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Benbatl (Oisin Murphy) wins the Joel StakesNewmarket 27.9.19 Pic: Edward WhitakerCredit: Edward Whitaker

The five-year-old was cut to 6-1 (from 14) by Paddy Power for the latter after powering home under Oisin Murphy.

Bin Suroor, who was winning the mile feature for a third time, is hoping this is the start of a productive autumn/winter for his charge.

He said: "We gave Benbatl a long break after last winter and he had worked nicely on the watered gallop recently so we knew he was ready to go. Nobody wanted to make the running so Oisin went to the front and he enjoyed it out there.

"We'll keep our options open with him but he could go to Champions Day at Ascot where he has options."

Beyond that, Benbatl could be on his way back to the Dubai Carnival where he won three times in 2018, including the Group 1 Dubai Turf on World Cup night.

Murphy said: "That was a brilliant performance from Benbatl and as nothing wanted to make the running I decided to go on as he gets a mile and a quarter.

"Saeed is very easy to ride for and this sets him up for a good autumn and winter. I haven't slept much this week with excitement. There was no pressure on today as it was a prep run, but he hasn't had a slap and he was electric. It's a fantastic feeling. He is the best around, he's rated 123 and he's very good."

Chasing him home was King Of Comedy, who was in contention at the Bushes but never looked like getting to the winner.

Trainer John Gosden said of the 6-5 favourite: "He wasn't in love with the Dip but has still run well. This was a trial for the QEII at Ascot next month and we'll head there all being well. Hopefully the winner runs in the Champion Stakes!"

Zaaki finished third, while UAE Jewel, who was also returning from a long layoff, took fourth for Roger Varian.

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