Charlie Appleby’s expensive purchase created a big impression when making a winning debut at Sandown on Thursday afternoon.
All eyes were on Charlie Appleby's Ruling Court at Sandown on Thursday afternoon as the €2.3million at the Arqana May Breeze-Up Sale purchase set out to make his debut.
The exciting son of Justify was subsequently sent off the 4/9 market leader to make a winning debut in the Martin Densham & Peter Deal Memorial British EBF Maiden, a race that has produced the likes of 2000 Guineas hero Kameko and the talented Nostrum in recent years.
Despite being slowly away and green in the early stages, Ruling Court proved in a different league to his rivals when shooting clear for an emphatic five-and-a-half length success under the hands of Charlie Appleby's stable jockey William Buick.
It was a performance that earned quotes of 12/1 for both the 2000 Guineas and Derby from Paddy Power, and one Buick was notably impressed by.
"He will have learned plenty today. He didn't jump all that well, which you can forgive any horse running first time, but it was a nice, smooth performance and hopefully, he can progress from here," the winning rider told Racing TV.
He added: "I kind of passed a load of horses in a short space of time and probably got there sooner than I expected. It is always hard to read horses when they run for the first time, but he's shown a good level at home and has brought it to the track.
"He's got plenty of pace, so seven furlongs for now is optimal and he will get a mile when needed."
Celestial Orbit spaces rivals in Star Stakes
Later on the card, Ollie Sangster's love affair with the Listed Star Stakes at Sandown continued when his twice-raced filly Celestial Orbit came home strongly to land the feature.
The young and upcoming trainer landed the prize twelve months ago with his currently sidelined star Shuwari, who went on to finish runner-up in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile last season. This year he relied on recent Haydock winner Celestial Orbit and although sent off a 9/1 chance, success never really looked in doubt as the smart daughter of No Nay Neve quickened up nicely from off the pace to score by a commanding two-and-a-quarter lengths under Jamie Spencer.
Paddy Power introduced the winner at 33/1 for next year's 1000 Guineas.
Sangster told Racing TV: "I'm delighted. There were naturally some well-fancied horses in there, but we've always liked this filly and it's nice to see her go and do that.
"We were hoping for a piece of it, but it's nice to come away and see her win. The fact that she's won is a real feather in the cap of everyone at home.
"She's definitely come forward from her win at Haydock. She's a very laid-back filly and only does enough in her work at home. The racing has definitely switched her on and woken her. That was her best performance to date, but I think she'll certainly keep on improving.
"Jamie (Spencer) said she saw the trip out really well and it's nice to get a bit of black-type."
