Talk Of New York delivered a commanding performance to capture the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket, signaling a return to form for the Charlie Appleby-trained miler. After a surprising defeat at Glorious Goodwood during the summer, a period that saw Appleby’s stable struggle for consistent success, the victory at Newmarket marks a significant turnaround as the stable prepares for a busy autumn campaign.

The 51-year-old former champion trainer has experienced a challenging season, with many of his horses falling short at major summer meetings. However, recent results suggest an upswing in form, boosting confidence ahead of key fixtures at both domestic and international meetings. Appleby indicated that Talk Of New York’s longer-term target is the Breeders’ Cup Mile, with plans to aim for the event in 2024 at Belmont Park. This would coincide with the Breeders’ Cup’s return to its original venue after several years at Keeneland.

Appleby remarked that while Notable Speech is set to compete at this year’s Breeders’ Cup, Talk Of New York’s preparation is focused on peaking next year for the prestigious American meeting. In the nearer term, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot stands out as the next target. Discussions are underway about potentially supplementing Talk Of New York for the Group 1 contest, with bookmakers opening the horse at 8-1 odds.

At Newmarket, Talk Of New York dominated the field, pulling away by nearly five lengths from runner-up The Lost King in a race run at a solid pace. Appleby expressed satisfaction with the horse’s progress, noting the maturity and improvement demonstrated in the recent win. He urged caution in dismissing the earlier St James’s Palace Stakes third-place finish and attributed the poor showing at Goodwood to an off day.

Appleby also commented on ground conditions ahead of Ascot, saying the horse could handle softer ground if rain arrives before the October 18 race. The confidence gained from the Newmarket success has positioned Talk Of New York as a credible contender in the closing stages of the season, reflecting a positive shift for the Godolphin stable after months of underwhelming performances.