'It's a nice link-up' - Dougie Costello boosts strike-rate to 37 per cent for Charlie Appleby after Watching Stars win

Dougie Costello enhanced his impressive record for Charlie Appleby with victory in the feature 7f novice aboard Watching Stars.

Costello has ridden seven winners, four seconds and four thirds from 19 rides for the Godolphin trainer this season, operating at a 37 per cent strike-rate.

Watching Stars landed the £20,000 event by a short head on his third start, taking a step forward from his fourth-placed finishes at Newmarket and Goodwood.

Costello’s agent Richard Hale said: “Dougie is putting in the yards and riding out at Charlie’s most days, and Charlie has been very good to him; they’ve had a nice few winners.

“If they need a rider up north and Dougie has ridden them at home it seems to work. It’s a nice link-up and has given Dougie a boost – it does you no harm riding winners for one of the top yards.”

Course record

Darryll Holland boosted his course strike-rate to 50 per cent (2-4) when topweight Moostar won for the first time in division two of the 6f nursery under Jason Watson.

Combo to note

Apprentice Mohammed Tabti rode a third winner from his last ten rides for boss Iain Jardine aboard stable debutant Susiesparkle in the 1m4f handicap.

Double bubble

Michael Dods and Connor Beasley enjoyed a double with Count Palatine and Sparkling Red in the 7f handicaps.

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