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| Staff Writer |
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A three-way tussle provided an exciting conclusion to the HKJC World Pool British EBF Fillies’ Handicap. Kitai emerged victorious in the six-furlong finale on day one of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Kitai, trained by Mick Appleby and ridden by Jason Watson, finished strongly on the stands’ rails to deny Katey Kontent by a short head. Dance And Romance was a head further back in third.
This marked Kitai's first success for Appleby since joining his yard from Charlie Johnston late last year.
Appleby commented, “Kitai has done it well in the end and battled away. She is not a straightforward filly, and Jason gave her a great ride.”
“We've not had her that long; she came from Charlie Johnston's. She's been a bit tricky – she buried Silvestre [de Sousa] last time at Newmarket when she was really slow away.”
“The key today was going into the stalls last. We got a ticket to do that, and it seemed to work with her.”
Regarding his runners later in the week, Appleby added, “We have two in the Molecomb Stakes tomorrow – Big Mojo and Mr Lightside, who was very impressive at Nottingham last time.”
“They have both been working very well. Big Mojo ran well first time out at Beverley and has come on a lot for that run. I wouldn’t be able to split them.”
“Big Evs runs on Friday in the King George Qatar Stakes. Hopefully the rain stays away this year. He is in great form and suits this track a lot better than Ascot.”