'He got the job done in a competitive race' - Aablan provides Charlie Appleby with a welcome win in Solario Stakes

Every trainer was hoping they had a potential star heading into the Solario Stakes, but it was Aablan who shone brightest with a battling success for Charlie Appleby.

It is far too early to predict whether he can reach the enormously high bar set by previous winners Oh So Sharp, Kingman and the yard's breakthrough Derby hero Masar, but Aablan's victory under James Doyle represented a significant step in the right direction for the son of Dubawi, who had to be driven all the way to the line to defeat Inishfallen by a neck with Devil's Point claiming third.

His narrow win was a welcome one for connections. Appleby and Godolphin have at times seemed invincible in recent seasons, but they have struggled to land a meaningful blow in the major races this summer and Military Order's odds-on defeat at Chester shortly before the Solario may have been considered a bad omen.

"We're pleased," said assistant trainer Alex Merriam. "He's only had the one run. I thought James gave him a lovely ride and was able to teach him a fair bit as well. 

"I didn't think we were going to win with a furlong to travel. James thinks he'll probably want to step up to a mile and I'd imagine that's what we'll be looking at next.

"He travelled into the race well but was a little green. Still, he's got the job done in what looked like a competitive race. 

"There are no immediate plans for him. He's a big, raw horse who might need a bit of time between his races. Next year you'd probably start at a mile and go from there, although he could get further in time."

Aablan and James Doyle on the way to winning at SandownCredit: Mark Cranham

After providing Appleby with back-to-back Solario wins following Silver Knott's success last year, Aablan was cut to 14-1 (from 25-1) with Betfair for the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on October 14. On his debut he had justified odds-on favouritism on Newmarket's July course under Doyle, who believes there is more to come.

"We thought he had a certain amount of ability going into his first race. It was a bit messy with not many runners and they went quite steady and I had to pop him out three out so I couldn't teach him that much," he said. 

"Today was another learning curve. He's quite flamboyant early on so it's important to conserve that energy. 

"It was a big step up for him today and he really pleased me. They came around him and all had a crack, but he showed he's a high-quality animal who has the will to win." 

Doyle added: "The race couldn't have worked out much better. We got some cover straight away. He took a little time but did find a rhythm and was nicely under control when we got to the bend. 

"Ultimately he goes through the line pretty well so I was keen to let him go through his paces when we straightened up. He hasn't got an electric turn of foot, but I knew this trip would be perfect with a stiff finish. I think going further will suit him, but I don't think there will be any great rush to make a plan."

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