Newmarket: Gewan surprises with impressive Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes success for Andrew Balding | Racing News

Gewan caused a shock 25-1 in what looked to be a top-class renewal of the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

Impressive in winning the Acomb Stakes at York, the Andrew Balding-trained gray then disappointed on soft ground behind the next Group 1 winner, Puerto Rico, in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

James Doyle was always at the forefront on the colt Night Of Thunder and injected significant pace into the three-furlong race.

With the previously undefeated Gstaad, Distant Storm and Zavateri all suddenly trailing by three lengths, Gewan just had to press on and he did so in style, beating Aidan O'Brien's 7-4 favorite Gstaad, who had been keen from the start, by three-quarters of a length, with Distant Storm third and Zavateri fourth.

Balding won the Dewhurst in 2022 with Chaldean, who also won the Acomb and won the 2000 Guineas the following season.

“We were saying before the race that he was too expensive because his performance at York was very good and we thought we should forgive him Doncaster,” said the Kingsclere trainer. “So we weren’t without hope, but you still have to come out and do it.

“James gave him a brilliant ride and he’s a very good horse, that.

“The soft pitch didn't help at Doncaster, but I don't think it was just that, for whatever reason he wasn't at his best. But he was today.

“He's a lot like Chaldean, but the only thing he hasn't done is win at Doncaster, they've gone the same way.

“If you could forgive that run at Doncaster, he came here with every chance as Acomb's form was rock solid. It's a relief, but his work at home suggested he would play a part today.”

Doyle added: “He killed them between threes and twos and handled the track so well.

“It wasn't a coincidence, he felt like a good horse. He accelerated very smartly and I knew he wouldn't get caught.”