Tag Archive for: Ambiente Friendly

‘No rush’ for Burdett Road to resume hurdling career

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Connections of Burdett Road are likely to delay a return to hurdling following his dominant win at Newmarket last week.

The four-year-old son of Muhaarar made all to win the Listed Godolphin Stakes by eight and a half lengths from the odds-on favourite Military Academy.

That win over a mile and a half is likely to shelve his planned return to obstacles in the Masterson Hurdle at Cheltenham later this month in favour of a trip to Ascot for the Long Distance Cup.

Burdett Road has won two of his three starts over hurdles, going down by 10 lengths to the smart Sir Gino in the Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle in the other, but the Cheltenham Festival remains the ultimate target.

Injury ruled the James Owen-trained gelding out of the Festival last year and owner-breeder Tim Gredley said: “I think that will change the plans. I have to say James Owen has done an amazing job with him because when he came back again, he was a bit keen and so on and so forth.

“He’s always maintained that if he does drop the bridle and settles down, he’ll be a good stayer on the Flat and I wouldn’t say last week was his last chance on the Flat before he goes back hurdling. They wanted to try something different on the tactics and it has kind of improved him no end.

“We’re in no rush to go hurdling. He’s obviously had a good break coming into the season so he doesn’t need a rest. We’ve got an entry on Champions Day in the stayers’ race and we’d probably monitor that before we go hurdling.

“It’s all about Cheltenham isn’t it? I know you’re not meant to say it, but it is. It’ll be great and it’s good for us that’s he’s running in some good races with some good prize money on the Flat.

“We’ll have one more Flat race and James will probably have a target mapped out for him over hurdles. I know there was the Masterson at Cheltenham, but I’m not sure how that works timings wise if we go to Ascot. Otherwise we’ll just take it how it goes.”

Ambiente Friendly is targetting the Champion Stakes
Ambiente Friendly is targetting the Champion Stakes (Steve Patson/PA)

Ambiente Friendly is likely to make his final appearance of the season in the Champion Stakes at Ascot.

The Derby runner-up was last seen when finishing last of the five runners in the Prix Niel at ParisLongchamp last month, but Gredley said a short break has done him the world of good.

He said: “We’ve actually had him at home for a few weeks to give him a change of scenery and he looks great.

James Fanshawe will make a final decision on whether Ambiente Friendly runs
James Fanshawe will make a final decision on whether Ambiente Friendly runs (Tim Goode/PA)

“He’s actually just gone back in on Monday and it’s up to the Fanshawes what they’d like to do, but he’s really, really in good order and he’s enjoyed a couple of weeks out in the field so the next couple of weeks will tell them if we go again or not, but the Champion Stakes is definitely on the radar.

“He’s a bit like Burdett Road, if he drops the bridle and gives himself a breather he will stay a mile and a half all day long. At the minute he just seems to be getting a bit revvy, so a mile and a quarter in testing conditions at Ascot at this point in his career seems to be the only logical step.

“We’ve had a few offers for him privately and that’s probably a decision that Dad (Bill) needs to make, but we’ll absolutely keep him in training next year. I think he’ll be a better horse next year. He’s still got some filling out to do and some growing, so probably a winter will give him some improvement.”



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Ambiente Friendly primed for clash with Arc favourite

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Ambiente Friendly is reported to be in “great form” heading into his showdown with Prix du Jockey Club hero and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe favourite Look De Vega in the Qatar Prix Niel.

James Fanshawe’s colt bumped into City Of Troy in the Derby at Epsom before going on to finish third in the Irish equivalent.

However, he disappointed for the first time in his three-year-old campaign when finishing down the field in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York and will head to France for this red-hot event seeking to bounce back and tee-up further big-race assignments later in the autumn.

Ambiente Friendly and Robert Havlin finished second in the Derby
Ambiente Friendly finished second in the Derby (PA)

It appears likely he will also encounter soft ground for the first time since his Leicester debut at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, where he will be partnered by Christophe Soumillon, who takes over from Robert Havlin in the saddle.

“He worked on Tuesday morning and seemed in great form,” said Fanshawe.

“It looks like being soft ground over there, but he has won on soft ground at Leicester in the past. That was only over seven furlongs, so we will have to see, but he seems in good shape and is working well and on schedule for Sunday.

“We will see how he gets on before thinking about future plans, as it looks quite a hot race, but he goes there in good form.”

As well as Carlos and Yann Lerner’s unbeaten Chantilly hero, the field also includes Andre Fabre’s Sosie, who was third in the French Derby behind Look De Vega before claiming the Grand Prix de Paris over course and distance in the summer.

There were a total of nine left in the Group Two event after Wednesday’s forfeit stage.

The ParisLongchamp card also features the Group One Prix Vermeille, which could see Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking take on both Aidan O’Brien’s Nassau Stakes heroine Opera Singer and John and Thady Gosden’s experienced top-level performer Emily Upjohn.

Also amongst the remaining 11 is Hughie Morrison’s Stay Alert and Gavin Hernon’s Dare To Dream.

O’Brien’s 2023 St Leger winner Continuous is the headline name amongst five to go forward for the Group Two Qatar Prix Foy.



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Soumillon to partner Ambiente Friendly in Prix Niel

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Ambiente Friendly will test the waters at ParisLongchamp on September 15.

The Derby runner-up has been pencilled in for the Prix Niel, which is traditionally a key trial for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and has luminaries such as Montjeu, Sinndar and Hurricane Run on its roll of honour.

Since Epsom, the James Fanshawe-trained, Gredley family-owned Gleneagles colt has finished third in the Irish Derby before failing to give his true running in the Juddmonte International.

Robert Havlin was in the saddle for Epsom, the Curragh and York, but local knowledge in the form of Christophe Soumillon will take the reins this time.

Soumillon last won the Niel in 2006, when the Andre Fabre-trained Rail Link got the better of Mick Channon’s Youmzain.

Fanshawe said: “That’s the plan – all being well, he goes for the Niel and Christophe Soumillon has been booked.

“He seems really well.”



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Ambiente Friendly in good shape following York disappointment

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James Fanshawe reports Ambiente Friendly to be “nice and bright” a week on from his disappointing run in the Juddmonte International.

Having found only City Of Troy too strong in the Derby at Epsom and then finishing third behind Los Angeles in the Irish equivalent, hopes were high ahead of a much-anticipated rematch with the former over a mile and a quarter at York.

However, while City Of Troy confirmed his status as the best middle-distance horse in Europe with a front-running victory in a course-record time, Ambiente Friendly pulled fiercely for his head before weakening out of contention, eventually passing the post a well-beaten 10th of 13 runners.

In a stewards’ report, Fanshawe explained the son of Gleneagles had got his tongue over the bit and made a respiratory noise, but the star colt is none the worse for the experience.

“He’s really well actually, he’s come out of the race in good form,” said the Pegasus Stables handler on Wednesday.

“He came out of the race well and was back doing two canters this morning. He seems nice and bright.”

Reflecting on his York performance, Fanshawe added: “He was keen and didn’t relax and never really got into it.”

Trainer James Fanshawe at Newmarket
Trainer James Fanshawe at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

Ambiente Friendly holds big-race entries in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp and the Champion Stakes at Ascot.

The trainer will consult his owners the Gredley family before making any concrete plans.

He said: “Obviously we’ve got plenty of options, so we’ll just see how he is over the next few days and I’ll have a chat with Bill and Tim (Gredley) and see where we’re going.”



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City Of Troy out to repel an International cast of challengers

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With expectations sky high once more, it is time for City Of Troy to do the talking again in Wednesday’s star-studded Juddmonte International at York.

Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore partners are very much on record with their views on the son of Triple Crown hero Justify, with O’Brien labelling him the best he has ever trained and Michael Tabor saying after last year’s Dewhurst “he’s our Frankel”.

He overcame a lacklustre run in the 2000 Guineas – for which O’Brien took full responsibility – to take the Derby in style and get his career firmly back on track, although in winning the Eclipse he was more workmanlike.

Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore celebrate with City Of Troy after winning the Derby
Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore celebrate with City Of Troy after winning the Derby (David Davies for The Jockey Club)

O’Brien blamed the soft ground at Sandown for what was visually a less than explosive display, but there should be no worries on that score this week and for a horse with a long stride, York’s four-furlong home straight should be ideal.

But with the best three-year-olds and older horses in opposition from all over Europe, as well as a top-class filly in Bluestocking and a winner of the Japanese St Leger winner, there will be no hiding place in what is the biggest field assembled since the inception of the race in 1972.

“We’ve been happy with him since the last day and obviously this was the race we had planned out for him and everything has gone well,” said O’Brien.

City Of Troy had to show what he is made of in winning the Eclipse
City Of Troy had to show what he is made of in winning the Eclipse (Steven Paston for The Jockey Club)

“The weather looks like it means the ground should be better than Sandown, and York has nice, long home straight that we hope will suit him given his stride.

“We always say we want to see the best horses in the best races.

“He’s just been unique all the way along. What he has been doing has just been on raw ability.

“We thought he was still green in the Derby and then we went to Sandown and we were happy there was plenty of time between Sandown and York to tweak a few things.”

Second to City Of Troy in the Derby was James Fanshawe’s Ambiente Friendly.

He then went on to the Irish Derby when he travelled like the winner for much of the contest but was seemingly outstayed by Los Angeles, who runs in the Great Voltigeur this week as a prep for the St Leger.

Most onlookers are of the opinion that Ambiente Friendly will be better off down at 10 furlongs and that is certainly the view of his jockey, Robert Havlin.

“If you stopped both Derbys at the two-furlong marker he’s probably the only one still on the bridle, so you would have to think that dropping back in trip will help,” he said, as he assessed his chance in what is another leg of the Qipco British Champions Series.

Ambiente Friendly (left) found only City Of Troy too good in the Derby
Ambiente Friendly (left) found only City Of Troy too good in the Derby (Adam Davy/PA)

“It looks like being the race of the season, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’d like to hope that he can reverse form (with City Of Troy). At the two-pole at Epsom I think most people would have been thinking he was the winner, and he’s mentally growing up all of the time.

“He’s the type of horse who you don’t have to squeeze off the bridle to get him to move up through the gears. He’s a really strong traveller with a very high cruising speed, and he goes up through the gears on the bridle.

“I think the slick track and strong pace at York will play to his strengths, and a big field is no problem, as he’s not lazy. If a gap appears he’s one that can instantaneously fill it, because he travels so well.”



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‘Everyone is so happy with him’ – Ambiente Friendly team counting down to York

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It is “all systems go” for Ambiente Friendly, as he limbers up to take his place in an all-star cast for the Juddmonte International at York next week.

James Fanshawe’s three-year-old son of Gleneagles won the Lingfield Derby Trial by four and a half lengths in May and was launched into the Epsom picture as a result.

Under Robert Havlin he was a 9-2 chance for the premier Classic and though it was Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy who prevailed, Ambiente Friendly was an excellent runner-up behind him.

At the Curragh in late June he lined up for the Irish Derby and was this time the favourite, with this third-placed performance pleasing connections but also causing them to ponder a step down in trip.

As a result he skipped the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes over a mile and a half and heads to York a fresh horse ready to take on City Of Troy again, this time over a mile and a quarter.

Ambiente Friendly and Robert Havlin finished second in the Derby
Ambiente Friendly and Robert Havlin finished second in the Derby (PA)

Under Havlin the colt did a piece of work on Newmarket’s July course on Tuesday morning and the exercise was just what his connections were hoping for ahead of his trip to Yorkshire.

Tim Gredley, whose family own the horse, said: “He did a bit of work on the July course this morning and Rab said he couldn’t have gone better.

“I think a flat track and a left-handed mile and a quarter could be ideal, obviously there are a couple of horses in there that are very, very good, but having spoken to both the trainer and the jockey he couldn’t be in a better place.

“I’m not going to sit here and say we are going to win it because it’s the Juddmonte International, it’s a very prestigious race, but everyone is so happy with him – they couldn’t be happier.”

Ambiente Friendly has always been spoken of as a work in progress and Gredley is hopeful he will continue to improve through the rest of the term and into his four-year-old season in a similar manner to Charyn, Roger Varian’s dual Group One-winner who has seemed to really peak this season.

He said: “We gave him a little break and we decided to miss the King George. Every time we see him he seems to improve in a different way mentally and physically

“Rab said this morning that he’s so much more relaxed than he was three months ago. When they’re improving every time you’re running them rather than regressing, it is very exciting.

“We’re lucky that, all being well, we can keep him in training for next year at least. Tom (Fanshawe, son and assistant to James) especially has always maintained that physically he’s still not quite there and when you look at the likes of Roger Varian’s horse, that improvement from three to four can happen.

“We’re all dreamers of course, but it can happen. That’s not to say we can’t win the Juddmonte, everybody’s really happy with him, we’re all pleased we gave him a little break rather than go to the King George and it’s all systems go.”



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Gredleys determined to enjoy Ambiente Friendly, with Juddmonte next stop

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The Gredley Family are determined to continue “enjoying the ride” with Ambiente Friendly, as their star colt prepares for a possible rematch with City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International at York.

Little under three lengths separated the pair when Aidan O’Brien’s son of Justify claimed Classic spoils over a mile and a half in the Derby at Epsom, but it will be back at 10 furlongs they will lock horns on the Knavesmire next month.

Ambiente Friendly’s team decided against a clash with City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse, with the James Fanshawe-trained colt instead heading to the Curragh for the Irish Derby – where he again placed in a Classic, finishing third to Los Angeles.

With the son of Gleneagles recovering well from his exertions in Ireland and having studied how the action unfolded at Sandown, Tim Gredley is keen to see how the two crack three-year-olds shape up when squaring off on the opening day of the Ebor meeting.

Ambiente Friendly (centre) in action at the Curragh
Ambiente Friendly (centre) in action at the Curragh (Damien Eagers/PA)

He said: “Ambiente Friendly is in good order and the plan is to go for the Juddmonte. He came out of the Irish Derby really well, but he had two hard races in the space of a month and Mr Fanshawe was keen to try a mile and a quarter around a left-handed bend, so the Juddmonte was the obvious race.

“It’s probably more exciting for others than us, because we would probably rather he (City Of Troy) wasn’t there.

“We can’t control who is in the race, but I suppose the one thing we do have in our favour is we are not really ground dependent, unless it came up soft. We wouldn’t be too worried either way.

“We don’t know who is going to turn up on the day, but watching Sandown was interesting and it will be interesting to see them have a match over a mile and a quarter.”

The yellow and black silks of the Gredley family have been carried to big-race success in both codes down the years, and appreciative of just how difficult it can be to acquire high-class talent, the Ambiente Friendly team are keen to enjoy the exciting journey their latest star is taking them on.

That journey could include both a four-year-old campaign and a possible return to 12 furlongs, as connections plot a course to maximise the Lingfield Derby Trial winner’s undoubted ability in the white-hot arena of top-level racing.

“Sometimes you just have to remember how hard it is to get a horse like this and enjoy it,” continued Gredley.

“Everybody has an opinion and that is why we love racing, but at the end of the day we just have to make sure we look after him.

Ambiente Friendly and Robert Havlin finished second in the Derby
Ambiente Friendly and Robert Havlin finished second in the Derby (PA)

“We are trying to campaign him as sparingly as possible because ultimately we want to keep him in training next year. James has always maintained this horse is not yet fully developed, so as long as he stays fit and healthy we can have another campaign with him next year, which is even more exciting.

“It’s been really exciting so far and like any horse they only have a certain amount of racing in them. We want to make sure he has a lengthy career and we’re just really enjoying the ride.”

He went on: “I honestly think he is still a mile-and-a-half horse when he settles, but maybe at the Curragh he just got a bit ‘revvy’ and that paid at the end of the race. Maybe as he gets older and the more racing he has, he will learn to do that on a more regular basis.

“We are where we are and he races as he does at the moment, so going a mile and a quarter around a left-handed bend at York, we’re looking forward to it.”



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Fanshawe favouring drop in trip for gallant Ambiente Friendly

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Ambiente Friendly appears set for a drop back in trip having suffered Classic heartbreak for the second time in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

James Fanshawe’s son of Gleneagles had travelled into the straight at Epsom full of running in the hands of Robert Havlin, before City Of Troy arrived on the scene to land a hammer blow.

And it was another Aidan O’Brien-trained colt who proved a thorn in Ambiente Friendly’s side at the Curragh, as Los Angeles reversed Epsom form to outstay the Gredley family-owned colt late in the day, with Sunway edging him for second.

Fanshawe said: “He ran really well and travelled really well to the two-furlong pole, he just got outstayed in the last furlong.

“The winner and the second are both very good horses and the winner looked much more at ease with himself today, he was much better behaved. The second was a Group One winner at two, so we have been beaten by two very good horses.”

With Ambiente Friendly’s owners the driving force behind the two Derby bids, Fanshawe is now eyeing a move back in distance where his ability to travel and turn of foot could become a real asset.

He told Racing TV: “I think we will probably be dropping back in trip now. He’s ran in a trial and two Derbys so we are going to have to see how he is when we get home. It would be quite nice to get him winning again before we have any real big targets.

“You would really like to have a go at the Qipco Champion Stakes over a mile and a quarter at Ascot at the end of the season, but we will see how he is when he gets home.

“He’s got a lot of pace and has grown up an awful lot, he’s gone from racing over seven furlongs to a mile and a half. Mr (Bill) fGredley really wanted to have a go at the Derbys and fair play to him for sticking to that route because it nearly paid off.”

Ambiente Friendly had to settle for third as David Menuisier’s Sunway came home for second in his first attempt at 12 furlongs, with his handler delighted his Group One-winning juvenile was able to serve a reminder of his talent on the big stage.

The Sussex-based Frenchman has suffered some Classic near-misses of his own this term, but Sunway could yet give him one final shot at glory if heading further up in trip for the St Leger in September.

“That is the third Classic I am losing by less than a length this season, so I’m used to it now,” said Menuisier.

“I’m delighted with the horse because we have always thought the world of him and people had lost faith in the horse.

“Today he really vindicated himself and showed he is a real class act. I’m really delighted for the horse.

“He got hampered at the start of the French Derby and was nearly brought down. He was closing really fast and only beaten three-quarters of a length for fourth. The ground was tacky and he did something special that day and I think people didn’t give him credit for that.

“I never doubted the horse and I see him every morning, so I know he is a good horse. I’m over the moon he vindicated himself today.

“We will enjoy this and I could see him staying a bit further. If the owners agree he could well go the Leger and we could well have a top stayer on our hands.”

Roger Varian had thrown the well-regarded Matsuri into the deep end following a wide-margin victory in a Leicester novice event and the Sea The Stars colt took the step up in grade in his stride to finish an honourable fourth.

However, the mount of James Doyle was one to have his progress halted in the closing stages, leaving connections pondering what could have been on the journey home.

“He’s ran a great race and confirmed he is a very good horse,” said Varian.

“We thought that coming into the race, and it is pleasing to see him hold his own and maybe we can think of what could have been if we had got a cleaner passage.

“I’ve only watched it the once and will need to watch it again, but I don’t think we got the room to run when we needed it. That’s racing and he’s ran a fine race and hopefully he is OK tomorrow and we can make some good plans for him.

“He was beaten a length maybe in total having had a slightly troubled passage in the home straight so we might be thinking what could have been. But he’s a good horse and let’s see what is round the corner for him.

“We will digest today, see how he is tomorrow, speak to the owner and go from there.”



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Los Angeles stars in reversing Epsom form for Irish Derby glory

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Los Angeles put his name up in lights as he showed his class in a blockbuster conclusion to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Third behind Aidan O’Brien stablemate City Of Troy in the Derby, he had just over three lengths to find with James Fanshawe’s Epsom runner-up Ambiente Friendly, who was sent off the 6-4 favourite at the Curragh.

Los Angeles was one of four for O’Brien in Ireland’s premier Classic and it was the Ballydoyle quartet who dominated the front of the race in the early stages, with Euphoric, Grosvenor Square and The Euphrates giving their hotly-fancied stablemate the perfect tow into the race.

Heading into the straight Ambiente Friendly had raced strongly to the heels of Los Angeles, who was being asked to stretch for home by Ryan Moore, and the duo became embroiled in a titanic duel.

As much as Robert Havlin tried, however, he could not reel in the son of Camelot aboard Ambiente Friendly, who just gave way to another British raider, David Menuisier’s Sunway, for second in the closing stages.

Los Angeles had three-quarters of a length in hand at the winning post as he scored at odds of 13-8, a victory that gave O’Brien a record-extending 16th triumph in the race. Ambiente Friendly was another half-length away in third.

“We were delighted with him in Epsom and we thought he would come forward,” said O’Brien.

Los Angeles returns victorious after the Irish Derby
Los Angeles returns victorious after the Irish Derby (PA)

“Obviously he did go forward in Epsom and learned plenty, we were hoping that would be the case so he could come back here.

“Ryan gave him a great ride. It was a solid, even pace and it’s an unbelievable track. It’s great to have this race at this time of the year so all those horses can come together and you get to find out what’s there.

“He’s a big, hardy horse. He looks like he was a baby, but he is a Group One winner at two as well.

“He is progressing, definitely, and we’re really looking forward to him. Obviously he’s by Camelot so he has that class, he can quicken.

“Ryan said he had a lot more class than he expected and he quickened very well when he got there.”

Bookmakers were quick to promote Los Angeles to favouritism for the Betfred St Leger, although O’Brien said: “We came here thinking that he was going to turn into a Leger horse, but Ryan said he has way more class than that.”

Coolmore boss John Magnier was in attendance, and said of the Epsom form standing up: “That’s important, especially now that the French have changed their race (Prix du Jockey Club) and it’s not really the Derby anymore. It’s good to have the Epsom form held up here, really important I’d say.”

Ryan Moore, John Magnier and Aidan O’Brien after winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby with Los Angeles
Ryan Moore, John Magnier and Aidan O’Brien after winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby with Los Angeles (Damien Eagers/PA)

Some have suggested the Irish Derby should follow the French route and drop to 10 furlongs, but Magnier said: “That’s (mile and a half) the tradition and the history. It’s like the Belmont in America, they won’t shorten the distance.

“The thing is that you need to go from the top to the bottom, you don’t need all five-furlong races.”

On the winner he added: “Maybe Willie Mullins will be looking for him now! He is a good stamp of a horse.

“He won his Group One race as a two-year-old, he’s an improving horse, as Aidan has said. Maybe he’ll get even better.

“The race paid a compliment to him (City Of Troy), obviously. We’ll let the horse do the talking now. Aidan said what he said about him last year and we looked a bit stupid after the Guineas, so I don’t think we’ll say any more and let him deal with it from now on.”



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Havlin ready to seize Irish Derby chance with Ambiente Friendly

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Robert Havlin is well aware he has found himself in an enviable position aboard the talented Ambiente Friendly and is determined to grasp the opportunity, as the Epsom runner-up seeks to go one better in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

James Fanshawe’s son of Gleneagles found only the sublime City Of Troy too strong in the Derby and now heads to the Curragh as the bookmakers’ favourite to taste Classic success in the Irish equivalent.

His jockey has an Italian Derby to his name, but a British or Irish Classic has so far eluded one of the elder statesmen of the weighing room, whose experience saw him chosen by the Gredley family to replace Callum Shepherd in the saddle at Epsom.

Havlin retains the partnership with Ambiente Friendly for what represents a rare visit to the home of Irish racing for the 50-year-old.

However, the veteran Scot – who has guided a plethora of John Gosden superstars through the early part of their careers – has full faith in his mount handling the stamina test the Curragh presents, having been impressed with his maturity since his fine performance in the premier Classic.

“I’m really looking forward to Sunday and he’s come out of Epsom really well,” said Havlin, whose season continued on the crest of a wave when he guided Audience to a surprise all-the-way success in the Lockinge Stakes.

“Being a breeze-up horse, it can go one way or the other, but he’s taken it unbelievably well and it’s like he’s matured overnight.

“I rode him Thursday morning and he felt great, I’ve ridden him a few times this week. Thursday morning he was bucking and kicking, but then he lobbed up the canter out of my hands the whole way.”

Robert Havlin is confident in Ambiente Friendly
Robert Havlin is confident in Ambiente Friendly (John Walton/PA)

He went on: “It’s a while since I’ve ridden a mile and a half at the Curragh, it was quite a lot of years ago. I think now he’s so relaxed – he’s unbelievably relaxed – I don’t think the track will pose any threats.

“I’m unbelievably lucky to fall upon him, not in the best circumstances I suppose, but you have to take these opportunities with both hands.”

There is no City Of Troy standing in Ambiente Friendly’s way this time, but Ballydoyle will still be well represented, with Epsom third Los Angeles leading the assault.

Havlin is happy to see the Derby hero head elsewhere for now, but despite having just over three lengths in hand over Los Angeles on the Surrey Downs, he is respectful of the challenge that rival poses as they lock horns for a second time.

Ambiente Friendly (yellow) chased home City Of Troy at Epsom
Ambiente Friendly (yellow) chased home City Of Troy at Epsom (Adam Davy/PA)

“Ambiente Friendly didn’t have a hard race at Epsom so we are hoping he can go there, has improved again and can finish in front of Los Angeles again,” continued Havlin.

“Los Angeles would be entitled to get a bit closer this time, he went down on his sword at Epsom and the Curragh might suit him a little bit better, but I’m really looking forward to the rematch.

“There’s no City Of Troy this time and it would be nice to meet him somewhere down the line to test the water again, but we can leave that for another day.”

As well as Los Angeles, Aidan O’Brien will saddle Grosvenor Square, Epsom ninth Euphoric and King Edward VII Stakes fifth The Euphrates in a bid to extend his imperious race record.

Los Angeles finished third at Epsom
Los Angeles finished third at Epsom (Bradley Collyer/PA)

However, it is clearly the mount of Ryan Moore who has the best chance of giving the master of Ballydoyle Irish Derby number 16.

“The Curragh looks like it should suit him,” said O’Brien of Los Angeles.

“He’s come out of Epsom really well, we couldn’t be happier with him really, so we’re looking forward to running him.

“We’ve been happy with him since, this is his third run of the year, so hopefully he can improve again (to make up the ground on Ambiente Friendly).”

On the ground for Los Angeles, O’Brien – who first landed the Curragh showpiece with Desert King in 1997 – added: “I think it should be fine, it was quick enough in Epsom.

“He’s a very big horse and racing is only going to improve him, mentally and physically, we think. He’s a big, honest, straightforward horse, we think.

Desert King was Aidan O'Brien's first Irish Derby winner
Desert King was Aidan O’Brien’s first Irish Derby winner (PA)

“He’s hardy and he’s fresh, but he’s very genuine and he relaxes very well. He’s obviously by Camelot and they have plenty of nervous energy. That’s the way they are and that’s what makes them good, I think.

“We’re very happy with everything he has done since then.”

Of his others, O’Brien said: “Grosvenor Square is a lovely, big horse, but he was a little bit backwards when we ran him at Chester.

“He’s just ready to start again so hopefully he runs a nice race.

“The Euphrates ran a nice race at Ascot and hopefully he comes forward again, we think he’ll improve as the year goes on, the same for Euphoric.”

Ger Lyons’ Keeper’s Heart bolsters the Irish hand in their bid to keep the first prize on home soil, but there is not just Ambiente Friendly making the trip from the UK.

Roger Varian has always spoken highly of Matsuri and the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum-owned son of Sea The Stars is pitched into deep waters following his impressive Leicester novice success, with the in-form James Doyle expecting this race to provide an acid test of his potential.

Happy days! James Doyle pictured with Henry Winkler at Royal Ascot
Happy days! James Doyle pictured with Henry Winkler at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

He said: “His win (at Leicester) in the first part of the year, he was a bit keen, but it was a nothing contest and we didn’t learn much. Visually he looked like he could gallop.

“It’s not an easy race to step into, but his home work has been good.”

Doyle is still on a high after winning four times at Royal Ascot, all in the colours of his new retainer of Wathnan Racing.

He added: “It was brilliant, now I’m back down to earth with Carlisle and Beverley and the smaller tracks!

“But it’s good, they’re running well and the boss is happy – that’s the main thing.

“You always want more though, however many you win.”

Sunway and Oisin Murphy
Sunway and Oisin Murphy have formed a great team (PA)

David Menuisier’s Sunway completes the line-up, as the French Derby seventh takes a second bite of the Classic cherry.

Having competed over 10 furlongs at Chantilly, Oisin Murphy now feels the time is right to test the son of Galiway over further and is optimistic he can get involved at the business end.

“I felt the last day I was too far back off a slow pace and he’s been crying out for a little bit further,” said the former champion.

“I rode him on Tuesday, David Menuisier is very happy with him, as am I. He’s drawn eight of eight, but that doesn’t concern me. I’m hoping he’ll run a career best.

“On ratings, he’s not out of the race and if he runs up to his best, which the signs are good for, he’ll go well.”



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Ambiente Friendly in fine form ahead of Irish Derby date

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James Fanshawe has declared himself “very happy” with Ambiente Friendly ahead of Sunday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh.

An impressive winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial, he found only City Of Troy too good in the Derby at Epsom.

He faces a rematch with Aidan O’Brien’s Los Angeles, but the Ballydoyle runner has over three lengths to find.

“Ambiente Friendly appears to have come out of Epsom in really good form,” said Fanshawe.

Ambiente Friendly (left, white cap) and Los Angeles (second right) meet again
Ambiente Friendly (left, white cap) and Los Angeles (second right) meet again (David Davies/PA)

“He worked last Wednesday and seems nice and bright in himself ahead of the weekend and I’m very happy with the colt.

“He really came into his own in the Derby Trial at Lingfield back in May, which he won really well, and then showed further progress in the Derby at Epsom and appears in good shape since.”

He went on: “I just had a look at the weather forecast for the week and there doesn’t appear to be a lot of rain around.

“The ground was just on the slow side of good at Epsom and I don’t envisage any issues with the ground at the Curragh as he is a lovely moving horse and we are all very much looking forward to it.”

Fanshawe’s last Group One winner came courtesy of Audarya at the Breeders’ Cup in 2020.

Los Angeles is one of six left in by O’Brien, who is in the unusual position of not having the ante-post favourite.

Agenda, Chief Little Rock, Euphoric, Grosvenor Square and The Euphrates could all run for Ballydoyle.

Roger Varian’s Matsuri is due to step up in class having won a Leicester novice last time out, while David Menuisier may send Sunway.

The Ger Lyons-trained Keeper’s Heart is the only other possible.

Ladbrokes has Ambiente Friendly as the 11-10 favourite ahead of 6-4 shot Los Angeles.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “The Irish Derby is shaping up to be a showdown between the British and the Irish, as Ambiente Friendly goes head-to-head with Los Angeles. There is very little separating them right now, but we give James Fanshawe’s Derby runner-up the edge to remain in front again.”

On the same card is the Group Two Gain Railway Stakes, in which O’Brien’s debut winner Henri Mattise, a Wootton Bassett colt out of Immortal Verse, is one of 10 entries.

British interest comes in the form of Richard Hannon’s Principality and Kevin Ryan’s The Strikin Viking.



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Ambiente Friendly supplemented for Irish Derby

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Ambiente Friendly and Los Angeles, second and third in the Derby at Epsom, are due to meet again in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Sunday.

James Fanshawe’s Ambiente Friendly beat Los Angeles by three and a quarter lengths at Epsom, with both no match for City Of Troy, and owners the Gredley family have opted to supplement for the Irish Classic.

Fanshawe’s last Group One winner came courtesy of Audarya at the Breeders’ Cup in 2020.

Los Angeles is one of six left in by Aidan O’Brien, who is in the unusual position of not having the ante-post favourite.

Agenda, Chief Little Rock, Euphoric, Grosvenor Square and The Euphrates could all run for Ballydoyle.

Roger Varian’s Matsuri is due to step up in class having won a Leicester novice last time out, while David Menuisier may send Sunway.

The Ger Lyons-trained Keeper’s Heart is the only other possible.

Ladbrokes has Ambiente Friendly as the 11-10 favourite ahead of 6-4 shot Los Angeles.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “The Irish Derby is shaping up to be a showdown between the British and the Irish, as Ambiente Friendly goes head-to-head with Los Angeles. There is very little separating them right now, but we give James Fanshawe’s Derby runner-up the edge to remain in front again.”

On the same card is the Group Two Gain Railway Stakes, in which O’Brien’s debut winner Henri Mattise, a Wootton Bassett colt out of Immortal Verse, is one of 10 entries.

British interest comes in the form of Richard Hannon’s Principality and Kevin Ryan’s The Strikin Viking.



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Ambiente Friendly camp opt for Irish Derby bid

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Ambiente Friendly will aim to go one better than at Epsom when he contests the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 30.

The James Fanshawe-trained colt shot to prominence with a startling performance in the Lingfield Derby Trial.

Ridden by Rab Havlin for the first time at Epsom, he travelled ominously well for much of the contest before a rejuvenated City Of Troy shot through on his inside and he came out a clear second best.

Ambiente Friendly after finishing second in the Derby
Ambiente Friendly after finishing second in the Derby (PA)

With Aidan O’Brien’s number one now heading for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, co-owner Tim Gredley explained that Ambiente Friendly will tackle 12 furlongs once more against his own age group.

He said: “After the dust settled, we were very keen to keep him at a mile and a half and, as importantly, stay against his own age group. It was the only option really and I’m really looking forward to it and I think the race will suit him.

“We want to do what is right by the horse and the conditions of the Irish Derby seem a lot more favourable than going to the Eclipse.

“They came and won our Derby and for the sport, it only seems fair to go and have a go over there. We think the gradients of the Curragh and conditions of the race will suit, so that is why we have made the decision to go there.”

Ambiente Friendly, who needs to be supplemented to the list of entries, will once again be partnered by Havlin, with the colt’s Epsom pilot playing a key role in discussions about the Irish Derby assignment.

Gredley added: “Rab will ride and we all had a good chat this morning – Mr Fanshawe and I also spoke to Rab and Freddie Tylicki. We are all in unanimous agreement that we should go to Ireland.”

Paddy Power have promoted Ambiente Friendly to 5-4 favourite for the Irish Derby, with Epsom third Los Angeles next best in the betting at 6-4 after being confirmed as an intended runner by O’Brien.



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Havlin: It nearly worked like clockwork… then I saw my worst nightmare coming

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Robert Havlin had pictured the image in his head and was indeed having the dream Betfred Derby spin aboard Ambiente Friendly – before his “worst nightmare” loomed up on his inside and crushed his Epsom dreams.

James Fanshawe’s colt had entered the Derby reckoning with a bloodless victory in the Lingfield Derby Trial only a few weeks ago.

However, that is only where the story begins as the Gredley family opted to replace Callum Shepherd with one of the elder statesman of the weighing room and a rider fresh off the back of just his second Group One triumph in the Lockinge.

Having attracted plenty of market support as the 9-2 second-favourite, the son of Gleneagles handled every undulation of the Surrey Downs, but just as Havlin began to believe his dreams were turning into reality, Aidan O’Brien’s 3-1 market leader City Of Troy completed his redemption act to leave Ambiente Friendly and his jockey a brave, but vanquished runner-up.

Havlin said: “I saw my worst nightmare coming up my left!”

“I’ve ridden the race many times in my head the last week and it nearly worked like clockwork.

“I thought I would still be travelling at the two (furlong) pole and he was travelling good. He found plenty, but the winner found that bit extra.

“I knew he was there and I could see City Of Troy coming out the corner of my eye. But I was trying to keep an eye on the loose horse as well.

“I had a decision to make and do I go round the loose horse. I thought my only chance of beating Ryan (Moore) was to go round the loose horse – he could have taken the two of us out if I went on his inside.

“He’s been beaten by a better horse on the day and his best days are yet to come. He’s still got some growing up to do mentally.”

Ambiente Friendly’s trainer agreed that there is a big future ahead for the high-class silver medallist.

Fanshawe – having just his second Derby runner – said: “I’m really thrilled with his run, I thought coming to the two pole we had a real chance, but City Of Troy came back to his best.

City Of Troy proved too good for Ambiente Friendly
City Of Troy proved too good for Ambiente Friendly (Adam Davy/PA)

“I still hope there’s more to come from Ambiente Friendly because he’s not yet the complete article.

“His racing is going so much better and he stayed the trip so well. We had a lovely run round, Rab had him in a good position, he travelled and as an immature horse he will hopefully keep on improving.

“We have no excuses and he had a lovely run round. He travelled really well and has just been beaten by a horse back to his best. He ran very well.”

With winning trainer O’Brien taking third with Los Angeles, it was left to owner Ahmad Al Shaikh’s Green Team Racing’s pair Deira Mile and Sayedaty Sadaty to claim minor honours in fourth and fifth.

Owen Burrows trained fourth placed Deira Mile
Owen Burrows trained fourth placed Deira Mile (Mike Egerton/PA)

Deira Mile’s trainer Owen Burrows was thrilled with his charge’s run in fourth and is now targeting further Classic action in the St Leger later in the season.

He said: “We felt he acted well round here unfortunately he was a step slower out of the gates and we were a bit further back than planned, but he made up a heck of a lot of ground.

“The standout horses have finished one-two-three. Jim (Crowley) said his last furlong was his best so the Leger would be the plan, it’s been in my mind all along.”



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Fanshawe confident Ambiente Friendly can keep his Derby cool

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James Fanshawe is confident Ambiente Friendly now has the maturity to shine on the biggest stage in the Betfred Derby at Epsom.

Having proved a cut above his rivals in a Leicester maiden last September, a step up in class for the following month’s Autumn Stakes at Newmarket appeared to come too soon for the Gleneagles colt, who was soundly beaten by Ancient Wisdom when finishing third.

He again raced freely early on when fourth in the Feilden Stakes on his three-year-old debut and pulled hard in the opening exchanges of the Lingfield Derby Trial.

However, Ambiente Friendly highlighted his huge potential by ultimately powering home to prevail by four and a half lengths ahead of a decent yardstick in Illinois, and Fanshawe naturally feels there is even more to come as his charge strengthens mentally and physically.

Epsom on Derby day is no place for the faint-hearted, with lots of hustle and bustle and a tricky pre-race parade to negotiate, but Fanshawe said: “Hopefully that won’t be too much of a problem.

“It’s the same for everyone and we’ll do everything we can to keep things nice and calm before the race, but he’s not a jig-joggy, hyper-horse.

“Freddy Tylicki picked him out. Bill (Gredley, owner) was picking nine horses for his 90th birthday at the Craven breeze-ups, he saw Freddy looking around and said to Freddy ‘go and find me a horse’.

“Freddy put this Gleneagles colt up to him and Bill bought him for 80,000 guineas. If he was going to be a Derby contender, he should have made a lot more than that, but he was an immature horse – he wasn’t a strong, two-year-old type, he was sort of an elegant, later-maturing type.”

Connections caused a bit of a stir when opting to bring in experienced jockey Robert Havlin to replace Callum Shepherd after that visually-impressive Lingfield strike, but everything else has gone smoothly so far.

“All I can say is Ambiente Friendly has done it and won his trial in a good time and seems to have come out of the race in good shape,” added Fanshawe.

Lingfield Park Races – Saturday 11th May
Ambiente Friendly finishes well clear at Lingfield (Steve Patson/PA).

“Over the winter and even since the Feilden Stakes, he has grown up a lot. He was a little bit fresh at Newmarket, but at Lingfield he went round a bend as good as any horse went round there.

“Of course there is a real buzz in the yard about having a Derby contender. There seems to be a real interest in Ambiente Friendly and that’s great.

“We’ve had plenty of Group One successes, but we haven’t had too many runners in the Classics. We’ve had a second in the 1000 Guineas with Spacious and Soviet Song wasn’t quite right when she was fourth, but the Derby is the Derby and a lot of things are judged on the result of it.”

Aidan O’Brien goes in search of a record-extending 10th Derby triumph and Ryan Moore joins the Ballydoyle maestro in keeping faith with City Of Troy ahead of fellow leading contender Los Angeles and stable outsider Euphoric.

Los Angeles landed the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud as a juvenile and made it three wins from three starts when wearing down Euphoric at Leopardstown on his seasonal reappearance under Wayne Lordan, who keeps the ride.

Meanwhile, City Of Troy heads to Epsom with plenty to prove after being an odds-on disappointment in the 2000 Guineas, but O’Brien has blamed himself for that and both he and Moore will be hoping the much-vaunted son of Justify can recapture his sensational two-year-old sparkle.

Dubai Future Champions Festival 2023 – Newmarket Racecourse – Day Two
City Of Troy and Ryan Moore coming home to win the Dewhurst Stakes (Nigel French/PA).

Moore told Betfair: “Now, this is an open Derby, everyone can see that, though undoubtedly most of the focus will be on my horse. Perhaps understandably so, given how good he was last year and how he ran in the Guineas.

“We were clearly all a touch bemused by that performance at the time but hopefully Aidan has got him back to somewhere near his brilliant two-year-old best at home, and if he has then he will take all the beating.

“We always thought this trip would suit him at three but he has to go out and prove it now, and even more so after Newmarket. But there is only one place to find out, and we are here.”

Ancient Wisdom will bid to give Charlie Appleby and Godolphin a third blue riband success in seven years after backing up last season’s Futurity win at Doncaster with second place in the Dante at York behind Economics.

Appleby told the Godolphin website: “Ancient Wisdom has definitely come forward since the Dante and we know that stepping up to a mile and a half is going to suit, while we are hoping that ground conditions will be on our side as well. I feel we have the right horse to be competitive on the day.”

Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini was fifth behind Ancient Wisdom on Town Moor in late October and earned his place in this line-up when a staying-on runner up to Metropolitan in the French 2,000 Guineas at ParisLongchamp.

The Ralph Beckett-trained Macduff made a respectable return to action when second in the Sandown Classic Trial to Arabian Crown, who misses out through injury, while Andrew Balding’s Bellum Justum proved he can handle this track via April’s Blue Riband Trial triumph.

Voyage was 28-1 when making a successful racecourse debut for Richard Hannon at Newbury in mid-April but has been well backed to emulate his sire Golden Horn by claiming Derby glory.

Owner Ahmad Al Shaikh has never been afraid to roll the dice with an outsider and was second with 50-1 chance Khalifa Sat in 2020 and 150-1 shot Hoo Ya Mal in 2022, so it would be no surprise to see his pair Deira Mile and Sayedaty Sadaty outrun their odds this term.

Al Shaikh said: “It’s the dream of any owner to have a runner in the Derby and I have two good ones.

Betfred Derby Festival Gallops Morning – Epsom Downs Racecourse
Jim Crowley aboard Deira Mile on the Derby gallops morning at Epsom (John Walton/PA).

“The dream for me started in 2006 because I work for the Maktoum family and I was always hearing about the Derby and their excitement about it. I don’t like short-distance horses, but I know how to choose horses for this kind of race.

“I was at Epsom when Deira Mile galloped and I was very happy with him. Jim (Crowley) was particularly pleased and everyone has been very happy with him since.

“Sayedaty Sadaty was second at Newmarket in the same Listed race as Hoo Ya Mal was second in. We’ve been planning for the Derby for both of these horses since last June, and we’ve planned the Hoo Ya Mal route for Sayedaty Sadaty since March.”

Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing silks were carried to second place by outsiders Mojo Star and King Of Steel in two of the last three renewals and he has Ballysax Stakes winner Dallas Star involved this time, alongside Mr Hampstead.

Abdulla Al Mansoori is another owner doubly represented after supplementing Tabletalk to join Kamboo, with John and Thady Gosden’s God’s Window completing the field.



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