Talk Of New York Confirmed His Immense Talent and Crowned Himself in the QE II Stakes
The Godolphin colt secured his maiden G1 victory with a brilliant performance at Ascot, defeating Ten Bob Tony and Rayif. Charlie Appleby highlighted his development and is already considering a potential international campaign for 2027
ASCOT, England (Special for Turf Diario).— Talk Of New York completed his leap into the European elite with a decisive victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1), one of the signature attractions of British Champions Day, contested this Saturday over 1600 meters at Ascot. The colt trained by Charlie Appleby confirmed all the promise he had shown throughout the season, delivering another top-level victory for Godolphin.
Ridden by William Buick and sent off at 3-1, the winner displayed a level of maturity that seemed unlikely just months ago. Relaxed off the pace through the middle portion of the field, he found his moment to strike, and when his jockey called for his final effort, he responded with an explosive burst that left his rivals without answers.
With 400 meters remaining, Talk Of New York surged to the fore and quickly opened up a commanding advantage. Although Ten Bob Tony (Night of Thunder) and Rayif (Sea the Moon) chipped away at the margin late, they never truly threatened his dominance.
At the wire, the Godolphin representative maintained a 1 1/4-length cushion over Ten Bob Tony, with Rayif finishing third, just a neck further back.
The major disappointment of the race was Gstaad (Starspangledbanner), the 7-4 favorite, who failed to factor into the finish and faded to eighth, well below his best form.
The Talent Was Always There
Talk Of New York's campaign reflected steady development throughout 2026. After placing third in the St James's Palace Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, he notched solid victories in listed and G2 company, paving the way for his maiden breakthrough at the highest level.
For Appleby, however, the key transformation went beyond raw athletic ability: “I am delighted with the way he has matured. He was a tricky horse for everyone from the start because he had a lot of nervous energy,” the trainer explained.
The conditioner offered special praise for Maurizio Pasquale, a key member of his team who never lost faith in the colt.
“In the spring he told me he was one of the best 3-year-olds he had ever ridden. Maurizio always believed in him, and he deserves tremendous credit,” he noted.
Appleby noted that Talk Of New York used to get excessively worked up prior to his races, a trait that hampered his ability to display his true potential.
“Today he walked around the paddock like an old veteran. Before, he would get quite agitated, which is never ideal heading into a major race. What pleased me most was seeing him so calm,” he added.
That progress translated directly to the race. “The tempo was good and William was able to track the leaders comfortably. When I saw him look for room to the right, I knew he had plenty of horse left. Once he took the lead, I was confident he would keep galloping strongly.”
The trainer even hinted that, with time, the colt could successfully stretch out beyond the mile distance.
Belmont, a Possibility for 2027
The victory opened the door for future international targets. Appleby raised the prospect of pointing to Belmont next year over 1600 meters, an option he finds particularly appealing for the Godolphin star.
“I think it would be very fitting to see him run over a mile there and test his luck,” he commented.
The trainer also expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed and the entire Godolphin team for allowing him the time to develop the horse without rushing.
“He arrived with immense natural talent, and everyone worked to steer him in the right direction. Fortunately, he is now repaying that faith,” he highlighted.
Buick concurred that the learning process was pivotal: “He is a very intelligent horse. It took him time to pick things up, but now we are beginning to see his full potential. Charlie and his team have done an extraordinary job,” he stated.
The jockey also praised the atmosphere at Ascot, filled with over 30,000 spectators on a day of elite competition.
“Winning here is extremely difficult. That is why you have to savor it when it happens,” he summarized.
Solid Efforts from Ten Bob Tony and Rayif
Despite the defeat, Ed Walker voiced pride in Ten Bob Tony, who once again delivered a top-class performance.
“I am immensely proud. He has been remarkably consistent and ran another fantastic race. He loves Ascot and Kierangave him a great ride,” he explained.
The trainer acknowledged that the winner's acceleration proved the deciding factor: “Talk Of New York put a couple of lengths on us with a more explosive turn of foot. Our horse closed well to the wire, but lacked that instant acceleration. The best horse won.”
Walker also confirmed that while plans had been made to target the upcoming Breeders' Cup at Keeneland, a trip appears unlikely.
“We have everything lined up, but it is only two weeks away and the horse is coming off a very demanding season. He is a gelding, and we want to enjoy him for years to come. My initial reaction is that we will probably skip it,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Lisa-Jane Graffard praised Rayif's third-place finish after overcoming a positional disadvantage.
“He sat further back than intended, but over the final 400 meters he made up a vast amount of ground. He is a horse still learning his trade and has had just seven starts,” she explained.
Graffard found it particularly encouraging given it was his first trip abroad, while confirming Rayif will not target the Breeders' Cup.
Gstaad Felt the Toll
Aidan O'Brien provided insight into the flat performance of Gstaad, who had entered as the favorite: “He had a very tough season and also had to overcome a bug, much like other horses in the yard. Perhaps this was one race too many,” he noted.
The trainer observed that the colt lacked his customary spark. “He didn't travel for Ryan Moore the way he usually does, nor did he accelerate. He ran like a tired horse,” he explained.
Whether he remains in training has yet to be finalized. O'Brien noted that given his pedigree and accomplishments, Gstaad holds tremendous value as a stallion prospect.
“He is a son of Starspangledbanner who achieved a great deal this year. If he stays in training, I will be delighted. But if he heads to stud, he will cover a fantastic book of mares,” he stated.
