Mill Stream (11-1) bagged £340,000 for connections in the My Pension Expert-sponsored July Cup at Newmarket, where jockey William Buick was also in top form for his boss Charlie Appleby
Mill Stream headlined a stunning 909-1 four-timer for reigning champion jockey Will Buick in the July Cup.
The 35-year-old went into Newmarket’s feature £600,000 sprint on a roll after a treble for his boss Charlie Appleby.
But the odds to land his 100th Group One were stacked against Buick, with impressive three-year-olds Inisherin and Vandeek in opposition. Both were battling for the £340,000 My Pension Expert-sponsored prize with a furlong to run, as Mill Stream started to hit top gear.
The consistent 11-1 chance, trained locally by Jane Chapple-Hyam, got up to deny fellow four-year-old Swingalong and give his rider the century. The first two, placed in Royal Ascot’s Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes last month, were ahead of third-placed Vandeek on this occasion.
“This horse is so genuine, he really wants it,” said Buick. “Jane has always had massive belief in him. It’s my first July Cup and I’m absolutely thrilled.”
Mill Stream carries the colours of former trainer Peter Harris, who saddled Primo Valentino for a top level Middle Park Stakes strike in 1999. The billionaire businessman, who made his fortune from caravans, has invested heavily in Chapple-Hyam’s Newmarket operation.
“William just had to sit, wait and pounce,” said the handler, two years on from securing her last Group One with star miler Saffron Beach. “This is my home track and my favourite one so it’s good. I’m a very lucky lady to have Peter Harris as an owner.”
Two-time champion Buick had earlier guided the final challenge of Ancient Truth, who ended the Superlative Stakes with his unbeaten record intact.
“Marks out of ten? Probably an eight,” said Appleby, his youngster as low as 10-1 for next year’s 2,000 Guineas. “I think there will be some marked improvement from that.”
Bet365 Mile scorer First Conquest (12-1) and impressive juvenile debutant Desert Flower made it a day to remember for the Godolphin team.
