Dubai: Godolphin jockey William Buick proclaimed Emotionless was ‘the real deal’ after the highly-regarded son of Shamardal cruised to a hugely impressive victory in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster on Saturday.
So imposing was trainer Charlie Appleby’s juvenile in victory that British bookmakers hastily slashed his odds for next year’s Classics, with Skybet making him the 5/1 favourite for the English 2,000 Guineas (G1) and Betfair, Britain’s first internet betting exchange, going as low at 6/1 for the Epsom Derby (G1).
Sent off an the odds-on favourite to win a race that has been won by the likes of Estidhkaar, Outstrip and Tornado in recent years, Emotionless hardly raised a sweat in beating Vintage Stakes (G2) runner-up Ibn Malik by 3 ½ lengths.
Buick was struggling to contain his excitement at the prospect of riding the Darley-bred colt in all the top races, said: “We were very hopeful. He’s the real deal, he’s got everything.
“He’s got the temperament to go with it, too, which is a huge plus, and I was really, really impressed by him.
“See how he comes out of today, obviously a race like the Dewhurst would be on his agenda, but there wouldn’t be many that could lay up with him at the moment.”
