Doyle bags latest Aust winner on Achi Baba

Two days after Godolphin cut ties with disqualified jockey James McDonald, the man who was rushed from England to fill in for him has continued his winning ways at Rosehill.

James Doyle rode Achi Baba to win Saturday’s three-year-old handicap over 1400m in a bold front-running performance which marked his seventh winner since he started his Australian stint earlier in the month.

The ride drew praise from former champion rider and Godolphin assistant trainer Darren Beadman.

“James judged the pace nicely,” Beadman said.

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“You’ve probably got to ride him a little bit like an American horse – on speed and just take them off the bit a long way from home.”

McDonald is appealing his 18-month ban for a betting offence but faces a tough road back to return to Sheikh Mohammed’s operation even if the penalty is reduced.

Achi Baba is another example of the quality of horseflesh placed under riders wearing the royal blue and Beadman believes the gelding will improve in his four-year-old season.

“He’s got a touch of class,” Beadman said.

“As a four-year-old maybe a mile around Caulfield might suit with a light weight.”