Al Zanati leaves it late in G3 Prix Thomas Bryon

Al Zanati overcame signs of inexperience to pip Bourbon Blues on the line in the G3 Prix Thomas Bryon at Chantilly, France, on Tuesday, 18 November.

The Charlie Appleby-trained juvenile had run well to finish second after pulling hard in the G3 Emirates Autumn Stakes and again raced freely in last as stablemate Pacifica Pier led the six runners.

William Buick had to galvanise Al Zanati three furlongs out and the Dubawi colt eventually warmed to his task approaching the final furlong, swooping down the centre of the course for a head success.

Pacifica Pier, who was headed by Bourbon Blues just inside the final furlong, kept on to deny Space Waltz for third, two and a half lengths behind the front duo in the nine-furlong Polytrack contest.

Charlie Appleby said: “I am pleased we ran Al Zanati because it would have annoyed me more than anybody through the winter knowing that he had the ability to win a Stakes race at two.

“In his last race, it was out of character to a level, although I still think we have some work in progress to get through. The engine is there; it is just putting the mind in the correct manner.

“He is not a handful at home, but he is a challenge some mornings and can be frustrating to watch. He can be workmanlike, whereas other times he is electric. I think it is just immaturity showing through at the moment.

“I think there is a lot more to come from him – stepping up in trip will be one angle but mentally more than anything. Whether he is a horse we take to Dubai, we will see. We could go the Al Bastakiya route if that is what we decide to do or put him away and see where we are in the spring.

“The way the track walked, I felt James could nick it from the front on Pacifica Pier. At least he has shown a good, willing attitude today, whereas before there have been question marks. He is maturing with racing and hopefully there will be a Stakes race in him further down the line.”