Qatar visit proves right up Pacific Avenue’s street

Pacific Avenue booked himself a return ticket to Qatar for February’s Al Rayyan Mile with a clear-cut success in the Al Rayyan Stakes at Doha on Saturday, 20 December. 

Making his first start since finishing seventh in the G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes, the Charlie Appleby-trained colt was a little slow into his stride and was steadied at the rear of the eight runners by William Buick. 

Pacific Avenue took closer order towards the centre of the course entering the final quarter-mile and surged clear after hitting the front half a furlong out, crossing the line two and a half lengths in front of August George. 

William Buick said: “Pacific Avenue doesn’t do a lot in front, so I was quite happy to have a few targets in front of me. The pace was even and he came into the race nicely. He was up to Stakes level in the UK earlier this year and it’s nice that he proved is class here tonight. Hopefully, he will be back for the big day in February.”