Charlie Appleby continued what has been a solid end to the 2023 Flat campaign for his juvenile team when Romantic Style took a step up in class in her stride when running out the winner of the Irish EBF “Bosra Sham” Fillies’ Stakes at Newmarket today. 

In what has been a year of mixed emotions for Appleby, the daughter of Night Of Thunder added her name to a growing list of two year olds that have helped the Newmarket-based Godolphin handler finish the campaign with a flourish after securing victory in the Listed prize.  

After getting off the mark at Yarmouth last time out having finished seventh on her debut at Newbury the 3-1 joint-favourite moved smartly into contention under Danny Tudhope to throw down her challenged approaching the final quarter of a mile of the six-furlong test. 

Moving into a clear lead inside the final furlong Romantic Style continued to plough through the testing conditions to defeat runner-up, and proven soft ground performer, Adaay In Devon by a length and three quarters with Navassa Island a further two and a quarter lengths adrift in third. 

Alex Merriam, assistant trainer, said: “She did it nicely. She travelled into it very well and I thought she did it quite easily. 

“She has got lots of speed. She got a little bit tired at the end, but she was entitled to, as that ground was hard work. It was nice to see her step up on her last run. 

“I think the ground was a question mark for most horses, unless they are properly proven on it. She handled it, although I don’t think it is ground she wants. She will be better on better ground I would have thought. 

“The way she has travelled into it I think she has got plenty of speed about her and Danny was very pleased with her. 

“I think after her last run she was entitled to have a go at a bit of black type and she has got that now. We will put her away and see what we have got next year.”

Although Paddy Power introduced Romantic Style at 25-1 for next year’s QIPCO 1000 Guineas, connections feel that a sprinting campaign in 2024 is much more likely at this stage. 

Merriam added: “I think six furlongs is her trip for the time being. She is a bonny little thing that is straightforward, and she just goes through the motions at home. 

“That was only her third run so she is entitled to improve. She has won that now and she is one to look forward to next year.”