Tag Archive for: Barry Mahon

Princess Royal defence in Time Lock’s sights

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Time Lock could bow out on a high if she successfully defends her Princess Royal Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Stakes crown at Newmarket on Friday.

The Juddmonte homebred stormed to her first Group-level victory 12 months ago when she scored by four and a quarter lengths ahead of Sweet Memories.

The Frankel mare finished second in the Group Two Jockey Club Stakes over the same 12 furlongs she faces here back in May and has not run since finishing third in the Princess of Wales’s Stakes in July.

Giavellotto, centre left, on their way to winning the Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket
Time Lock, left, came third on her last start at Newmarket (David Davies for The Jockey Club/PA)

Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte, hinted the 15th start of her career is likely to be Time Lock’s final appearance on the track, unless conditions suit for a last hurrah, as the Harry Charlton-trained five-year-old leads a field of eight.

He said: “She’s had a nice break, a little freshen up and she’s going back to familiar territory having won this race last year.

“She’s coming up to the last race of her career, maybe her second last depending on ground conditions, but she’s in good form and Harry is really happy with her, so we are hopeful of a good one.

“We wouldn’t want to have too much rain, (I’m) not sure what the weather’s like but she wouldn’t want it too soft.”

John and Thady Gosden’s Place Of Safety leads the younger rivals alongside Mistral Star, who is looking to build on a Listed success at the July course for Hughie Morrison.

Sea Of Roses, trained by Andrew Balding, arrives on the back of victory in the August Stakes at Windsor, Divina Grace is a course-and-distance winner for Rae Guest and David Simcock has Hollie Doyle booked for Sinology.

Comic Book represents Jessica Harrington and the line-up is completed by Charlie Johnston’s Francophone.

The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes looks set to be a hot contest despite the small field of six over the mile.

Karl Burke’s Ice Max comes into the contest on the back of Group Two success in the Celebration Mile Stakes at Goodwood last month and will renew his rivalry with Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Poker Face, who he beat in that race by a length.

Prague was second last time out at Haydock for Dylan Cunha and he steps up to Group Two level for the first time, while Dancing Gemini is seeking a first win of the year for Roger Teal having been set some stiff tasks.

Kinross wins the Betfred Champagne Stakes on day three of the Betfred St Leger Festival
Lead Artist, second left, will step back up to a mile after finishing second behind Kinross in the Champagne Stakes (Mike Egerton/PA)

The Gosden-trained Lead Artist returns to a mile after finishing second to Kinross when dropped to seven furlongs for the first time in the Park Stakes at Doncaster on St Leger Day.

“He’s come out of it (Doncaster) great, I thought he ran a good race beaten by a quick horse on the day,” Mahon said of the Juddmonte colt.

“Dropping back to seven (furlongs) wasn’t ideal, but we didn’t get to run at Goodwood (in the Celebration Mile) with heavy ground so it didn’t leave us with a huge amount of options. He ran a good race, back up to a mile will suit and he wouldn’t want too much rain.

“We said we would roll the dice, he’s a lightly-raced horse, didn’t run at two, so the experience has done him good and in fairness, Kinross is a warrior. He looked very good that day.”

The Ralph Beckett-trained Task Force has been knocking on the door in Group company this season and will be ridden by Ryan Moore for the first time at Newmarket.

He is a second Juddmonte contender after taking fourth place on his last start when trying nine furlongs in the Strensall Stakes at York.

Mahon added: “He’s had a little freshen up since York so he’s in good shape and in an ideal world you wouldn’t be running them together, but opportunities are few and far between so we’ll roll the dice and see how we get on.

“Rossa (Ryan) has been brilliant on him all year to be fair, but as he tends to do, Ryan does ride for us when he’s free and he has no commitments. We are lucky to secure his services on Friday and hopefully we will be able to reap the rewards.”



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Kikkuli backed to strike after Deauville outing

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Connections of Kikkuli are confident the impeccably-bred colt will have his day in the sun before the season is out after coming up short in the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville on Sunday.

A half-brother to the great Frankel, the Kingman colt came close to claiming Royal Ascot success on his penultimate start when charging home to get within a short head of the dual Guineas-placed Haatem in the Jersey Stakes.

On the strength of that form, Harry Charlton’s youngster travelled to France for his first foray into Group One company as a major contender – and while he could only finish sixth in the hands of Ryan Moore, there is optimism within his camp that better days are ahead.

“He was only beaten four lengths in the end and I think it was an OK run,” said Barry Mahon, racing manager to owner-breeder Juddmonte.

“In fairness he got quite a hefty bump mid-race, Ryan said it just set him alight and he pulled like a train for two furlongs in the middle of the race and that probably cost him at the end of the race.

“He’s done a lot in a short space of time and Ryan was very complimentary – he said there’s a good horse in there. He’s just immature and it hasn’t quite happened yet, but it will happen and that experience will have brought him forward.

“I think he’ll have a little freshen up now as he’s obviously had two hard runs in the space of two weeks. I think he’ll have a little freshen up for the rest of July and we’ll see what there is for him in August.”



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Leovanni team eager for Queen Mary test

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Wathnan Racing are excited by the potential of Leovanni as she steps up in class for the Queen Mary Stakes on the second day of Royal Ascot.

The Karl Burke-trained filly bolted up on her racecourse debut at Nottingham a fortnight ago and is one of a number of exciting two-year-olds for the Qatari operation.

Racing adviser Richard Brown is now eager to see just what they have with her as she tackles Group Two company.

Brown said: “James (Doyle) was quite taken with Leovanni and she did it nicely at Nottingham.

“I like the way she travelled, she travelled away really nicely on the bridle without pulling. She’s an easy mover, she’s economical, very fast and strong at the line which she is going to have to be with it being a stiff uphill finish at Ascot.

“She was going away from them at the line at Nottingham and galloped out strongly. She has that profile of one run, one win and there will be a group of fillies who will have the same, but we have just got to hope for luck and then find out if we are good enough.”

Kassaya is a half-sister to 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean and broke her maiden at Nottingham earlier this month after finishing second on debut when looking very green at Salisbury.

Juddmonte’s European racing manager Barry Mahon expects improvement in the daughter of Kingman, although he is not certain five furlongs is her optimal distance.

Mahon said: “She improved plenty for her first run and I think she will improve again.

“I thought she still looked plenty green in Nottingham, she was chopping and changing her legs, so I think there’s room to come on and improve again from that.

“Five furlongs could be a little on the sharp side for her but it’s a stiff five at Ascot and she’s a filly who we think can progress as the year goes on.

“Andrew (Balding) has always had a high opinion of her and we’re looking forward to seeing her run.”

Chris Richardson is keen to see what the Roger Varian-trained Spherical has in the tank.

The Cheveley Park Stud managing director said: “I don’t know what she beat first time out, but she couldn’t have done it more easily and the plan is to find out a bit more about her.

“It makes sense to have a go, I think she’s done well since the race and worked nicely last week.”

Laurel returns to the track following a 396-day absence in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes.

Laurel
Laurel has been off the racecourse for more than a year (Steven Paston/PA)

The Group One-placed filly was due to run in the race last year but suffered a setback ahead of the meeting and has been sidelined since.

Mahon said: “It will be a big training performance from John and Thady (Gosden) and it is going to be a very big ask.

“To be fair, they are very happy with the filly, but it’s difficult at the best of times (to train winners at Ascot) and when you have been off the track for over 12 months and heading into Royal Ascot, it is a whole different ball game.

“That being said, they are happy with the filly and her work has been nice. But she is bound to need a run and will probably improve from it. We’re hopeful of a good run, but under no illusions that she is definitely going to improve for the run.”

Shadow Army won at the Dante Festival
Shadow Army won at the Dante Festival (Mike Egerton/PA)

Shadow Army was another one to catch the eye of Wathnan and Brown ahead of his engagement in the Windsor Castle.

Brown said: “James went up to Richard’s (Fahey) to ride him in a piece of work and he was impressed with him. He’s sharp and fast.”

In the Royal Hunt Cup, Roger Varian expects the admirable Perotto to be in the mix despite making his seasonal debut.

The six-year-old won the Shergar Cup Mile at the track when last seen in August and took the Britannia Stakes in 2021.

Perotto wins the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile
Perotto wins the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (Steven Paston/PA)

Varian told Sky Sports Racing: “I’m not sure what ground he wants, I’m never really worried what the ground is as he seems to go on anything. He’s an admirable horse and has won at the meeting before when trained by Marcus (Tregoning).

“He won two nice races for us last year. He’s on a mark where he’d have to be at his very best to bring home the Hunt Cup on his first run of the year, but he’s dangerous in these handicaps when he does get things run to suit.

“He’s a fun horse and has given his owners great days over the years, hopefully he will again on Wednesday.”



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Westover retired after sustaining Arc injury

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Top-class colt Westover has been retired after suffering a career-ending injury when finishing second in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday.

A luckless third behind Desert Crown in last year’s Derby at Epsom, Ralph Beckett’s charge went on to gain compensation with a brilliant victory in the Irish Derby and has continued to run with distinction at the highest level as a four-year-old.

He chased home Japanese superstar Equinox in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March, filled the runner-up spot in the Coronation Cup in June and claimed his second Group One win in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud before being narrowly beaten by Hukum in a thrilling renewal of the King George at Ascot in July.

Having found only the brilliant Ace Impact too strong in Paris last weekend, owner-breeders Juddmonte had been targeting major prizes on foreign soil before the end of 2023 – but they have now had to prematurely call time on the son of Frankel’s racing career.

“It’s devastating news, unfortunately he suffered a career-ending injury on Sunday and he’ll have to be retired,” said Juddmonte’s racing manager Barry Mahon.

“Long-term he’ll be fine and he’ll be OK for a stallion career, but we had such good days with him this year and last year, we had an exciting end to the season planned and we were all very excited about it. Unfortunately it’s come to an end.

“We were looking at the Breeders’ Cup and we actually only entered him in the Japan Cup on Tuesday. We were planning on doing a bit of travelling and seeing a bit of the world with him, but unfortunately that’s not to be.”

Ralph Beckett with Westover at the Curragh
Ralph Beckett with Westover at the Curragh (Niall Carson/PA)

Mahon is confident Westover will go on to enjoy a successful second career at stud, adding: “I’d say he’ll be a top-class stallion. He’s one of Frankel’s best sons and as we saw with Ace Impact (by Frankel’s son Cracksman), Frankel’s sons are off to a flying start.

“He’s been beautifully trained by Ralph, Rob Hornby has obviously built up a good association with him last year and this year and Colin Keane was exquisite on him the day he won the Irish Derby.

“It’s been a great story for a lot of people, none more so than Juddmonte. We’re very lucky to have had him.”

Beckett said in a statement: “I am very proud of the horse and what he has achieved, he gave his all every day at home and on the racecourse and we will all miss him.”



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Mixed feelings for Westover team after narrow Ascot defeat

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Connections of Westover were left “devasted but delighted” following his narrow defeat in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot.

Last year’s Irish Derby hero disappointed as a hot favourite for Ascot’s midsummer showpiece 12 months ago, but was this time carried out on his shield.

Turning out just three weeks after doubling his Group One tally in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, the Ralph Beckett-trained four-year-old was a 7-1 shot in the hands of Rob Hornby and moved to the lead early in the home straight.

Westover and Hukum engaged in a titanic duel with two furlongs to run and while the latter secured top honours by a head, the runner-up lost little in defeat.

“What a horse, what a horse race. We’re devasted but delighted,” said Barry Mahon, racing manager for Westover’s owner-breeders Juddmonte.

“He’s run a career-best in what was being touted beforehand as the middle-distance race of the year and he went down gallantly. I felt he was even battling back again at the finish.

“He put it all on the line and he’s doing what we thought he’d do this year. Last year he was big and immature and he’s mentally and physically grown up.

“To break the track record the last day in Saint-Cloud was a big performance and to back it up with a run like that three weeks later is unbelievable.

“We haven’t really thought about what’s next. We’ll see how he comes out of it and make a plan in a couple of weeks’ time.”

Hornby similarly had mixed emotions, saying: “This race deserves a spectacle like that and to have an ovation for this horse, coming second like we did, was special.

“It is tough to take, but I’m really proud of him. It is always tough when you are just denied like that and it was such a heroic battle.

“He stays very well. He rolled around twice and I pulled my stick through and corrected him. When he got into a head to head, he was tough all the way to the line and he was just edged out unfortunately.”

King Of Steel, runner-up in the Derby at Epsom before landing the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, emerged best of the rest in third for Roger Varian.

King of Steel ran a fine race in defeat
King of Steel ran a fine race in defeat (David Davies/PA)

“I think he ran a great race, he lost nothing in defeat and came there with a great chance. He has been beaten by two mature, good, older horses,” said the Newmarket handler.

“I’m not sure he got home as well as the first two. We have always got the option of coming back to 10 furlongs, but he had some great horses in behind him, two very good ones in front of him, and it’s only his fifth run, so he can only improve can’t he?

“He has the scope and is a big horse. I’m sure he needs a little time between races. He’s had a tough race today, but he’s like a teenager, still.

“He is a good horse. We’d be happier if he’d won, but we think he ran a great race.

“We got beat, but it was a super race – a championship race. He turned up and really ran his race.”

Auguste Rodin failed to fire in the King George
Auguste Rodin failed to fire in the King George (Brian Lawless/PA)

The disappointment of the contest was Aidan O’Brien’s Auguste Rodin, who narrowly denied King Of Steel Derby glory at Epsom last month before following up in the Irish Derby.

He was the 9-4 favourite to follow in the hoofprints of Ballydoyle great Galileo by adding the King George to his two Derby wins, but was under pressure a long way from home and was eased right down in the end by Ryan Moore to finish last of 10.

O’Brien said: “There are no excuses. Whatever happened, the power ran out and it ran out early.

“That is the unusual thing. The race wasn’t even started.

“He was calm in the paddock, we were very happy with him. There is obviously a reason and we’ll find it. It is frustrating, but that’s the way.”



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Nostrum primed for delayed Newmarket return

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Nostrum will make a belated three-year-old debut at Newmarket on Thursday after recovering from a setback that scuppered his Classic hopes.

Unbeaten in his first two starts as a juvenile, including when impressing in the Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket in September, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Nostrum was last seen finishing third to fellow Juddmonte runner Chaldean in the Dewhurst Stakes.

Those performances saw Nostrum priced as short as 8-1 for the 2000 Guineas, but the son of Kingman missed out on an early-season return to the Rowley Mile and was similarly ruled out of appearing in the French and Irish equivalents.

He will be a warm order as he lines up against five rivals in a strong renewal of the Edmondson Hall Solicitors Sir Henry Cecil Stakes.

“He’s in good shape and has been ready there for the past few weeks,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.

“This is the first opportunity to start him back. He seems in good shape and Michael and his team, and Ryan (Moore) all seem very happy with his work and we’re excited to get him back on track.

“He’s still full of promise and his work at home has been good so hopefully, touch wood, we have a clear run for the rest of the season.”

The Shadwell-owned Mostabshir has run three times this season, latterly when almost eight lengths adrift of subsequent Eclipse hero Paddington in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Winner of a Kempton all-weather novice on his sole juvenile outing, Jim Crowley’s mount started his Classic season with a fifth-placed effort in the Craven Stakes, before winning a novice by five lengths under William Buick at York.

Angus Gold, Shadwell’s long-time racing manager, is hopeful the John and Thady Gosden-trained son of Dark Angel will find his optimum level.

“We aimed high early in the year and came back and won very well at York,” said Gold. “He ran fine in the St James’s Palace. We dropped him straight into Group One company and it was always going to be a big ask.

“It will be good to get him back into this sort of company, albeit there are some very good horses and potentially very good horses in there.

“We just need to get on with him. It has been a bit stop-start with him in terms of dropping him straight in the deep end, didn’t work, came back won very well, then back in the deep end. We just need to just find his level.

“This is Listed level and this should be very interesting. It’s a potentially a very high-class race, so it will be very interesting to see how he gets on against them.”

Roger Varian saddles both unbeaten Embesto and New Endeavour, who bids to go one better than when touched off narrowly by Docklands in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot.

In an intriguing affair, Charlie Appleby runs similarly unbeaten Imperial Emperor, who won a maiden on the Rowley Mile in October and followed up on his return on the July course in a novice over this mile course and distance 19 days ago.

The field is completed by Wildfell, who goes up in class and seeks a fifth successive victory for Peter Chapple-Hyam.



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Bluestocking under consideration for Irish Oaks outing

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Bluestocking showed enough in her performance at Royal Ascot last week to put herself in the picture for a tilt at the Juddmonte Irish Oaks later this month.

An impressive winner on her sole juvenile start at Salisbury, Ralph Beckett’s filly was being considered for the Betfred Oaks at Epsom prior to her narrow defeat by Warm Heart on her reappearance in a Listed contest at Newbury last month.

With the daughter of Camelot still showing signs of inexperience, the decision was made to bypass Epsom in favour of a tilt at the Ribblesdale Stakes – but while she again ran well in defeat, this time she was beaten almost four lengths into third place by the reopposing Warm Heart.

Barry Mahon, racing manager for owner-breeders Juddmonte, is of the opinion there should be more to come from Bluestocking and she could now head for the Curragh on July 22 in a bid for Classic glory.

“I was absolutely delighted with how Bluestocking ran,” he said.

“We saw how green she was in Newbury and Frankie (Dettori) said she was still a bit green the other day – he said it took her a bit of time to get used to the hustle and bustle of having horses around her.

“She then settled into a lovely rhythm and fell asleep under him. He tried to wake her up again coming round the bend and it just took her half a furlong too long to get into top gear. With a few horses coming back on top of her, she just couldn’t get competitive, but you’d love the way she hit the line.”

Ralph Beckett trains Bluestocking
Ralph Beckett trains Bluestocking (Mike Egerton/PA)

Considering future plans, Mahon added: “I think if she’s fit and well we’ll definitely consider the Irish Oaks. The fractions suggest they went very slowly at Ascot and I think a strongly-run mile and a half will be more her cup of tea.

“The Curragh would suit her and if we got a little bit of rain between now and then all the better.”

While Bluestocking and St James’s Palace Stakes runner-up Chaldean had to make do with minor honours, Juddmonte did get on the Royal Ascot winner’s board with Coppice in the Sandringham Stakes.

John and Thady Gosden’s filly was supplementing a comfortable victory at Newcastle, having previously failed to fire in the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket, and the success came as no surprise to Mahon.

He said: “It was a great performance. We started the year with high hopes – as Frankie alluded to after she won we thought she was a Guineas filly in the spring, but for obvious reasons she was just slow to come to hand.

“John and Thady went the patient route and it paid off. It was nice to get the winner on the board and she’s definitely an exciting filly for the remainder of the year.

“I don’t really know where she’ll go. The Falmouth would be a big step and if Laurel gets over her little setback in time that’s where she’ll go, all going well.

“For Coppice it would be nice to get black type with her, so we could look at a Listed race or a Group Three with her to get some black type in the bank.”

The Juddmonte team did suffer a couple of notable disappointments at the Royal meeting, with Arrest and Covey both performing below expectations.

Chester Vase winner Arrest failed to bounce back from Derby disappointment
Chester Vase winner Arrest failed to bounce back from Derby disappointment (David Davies/PA)

Arrest was bidding to bouncing back from a Derby no-show in the King Edward VII Stakes, but finished fifth of sixth, while Covey was a well-beaten favourite in the Jersey.

“We were worried about the ground for Arrest, we took a chance and it didn’t pay off. We’ll freshen him up and bring him back for an autumn campaign when there’s a bit of juice in the ground,” Mahon added.

“I was a little disappointed with Covey, he ran a little too free, Frankie just said he ran with the choke out the whole way.

“I think he’s definitely a better horse than we saw the other day and what came out of it is that on a straight track he just tends to over-race a little bit.

“He can still be a nice horse, but maybe he needs to go around a bend.”



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Connections of Chaldean happy to take on Paddington rematch

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Chaldean could renew rivalry with his Royal Ascot conqueror Paddington in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in August.

Last week’s St James’s Palace Stakes featured a mouthwatering clash between the two Classic winners, with 2000 Guineas hero Chaldean the marginal favourite over the Irish Guineas victor Paddington.

Frankie Dettori attempted to make all the running aboard Andrew Balding’s Juddmonte-owned colt, who had no answer when Aidan O’Brien’s charge quickened away from him in the straight.

There were almost four lengths between the pair at the line, but Juddmonte’s racing manager Barry Mahon would be happy to see a rematch under different circumstances.

He said: “He ran a great race, to be fair. The winner is obviously a very a good horse who is improving quickly and we were happy with our lad.

“We would have probably liked a lead. The early pace was pretty frenetic, I think Frankie just felt he couldn’t get a breather into him the whole way and it just cost him when he turned in.

“All told it was a nice run and we look forward to taking on the winner again some day.”

O’Brien nominated the Sussex Stakes as an option for Paddington in the immediate aftermath of his Ascot triumph and Mahon also views the Group One contest as the “obvious” next port of call for Chaldean.

Frankie Dettori with Chaldean after winning the 2000 Guineas
Frankie Dettori with Chaldean after winning the 2000 Guineas (David Davies/The Jockey Club)

“That looks the next obvious target. Let’s see how he bounces out of it, Andrew said to me the next day he was in good shape but I haven’t really touched base with him since,” Mahon added.

“He’s not in the Prix Jean Prat, but that could be an option if Andrew thought it was the right thing to do.

“He’s a top-class horse. I suppose it’s more disappointing when you’re beaten if you have an unbeaten record, but luckily we were beaten in our maiden and Frankie fell off him in the Greenham at Newbury!

“We know he’s still a nice horse to look forward to for the rest of the year.”



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Irish Derby on the radar for Epsom disappointment Arrest

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Disappointing Derby favourite Arrest could bid for redemption in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh next month.

With his partner Frankie Dettori having claimed the Oaks aboard stablemate Soul Sister the previous afternoon, John and Thady Gosden’s colt was the 4-1 market leader to provide the popular Italian with a dream victory in his final ride in the premier Classic.

But pre-race fears regarding the quickening ground and the idiosyncratic nature of the Epsom track proved well founded as after racing keenly on the front end, the Juddmonte-owned Arrest weakened out of contention and passed the post 10th of the 14 runners.

Frankie Dettori after riding in his final Derby at Epsom
Frankie Dettori after riding in his final Derby at Epsom (Victoria Jones/PA)

Connections of the impressive Chester Vase winner are keen to let the dust settle before committing to future plans, but Juddmonte’s racing manager Barry Mahon has confirmed another bid for Classic glory on July 2 is a possibility.

“I met John and Thady in France on Sunday and they said he was fine and I was talking to them last night and they said he came out of it in good shape,” he said.

“We’ll see how he does in the next couple of weeks and give the Curragh some consideration. I think the track would suit him, as I think John said pre-Epsom, that the Curragh would suit him better being a more conventional track.

“We saw early on the other day he had a leg going in every direction and he was very unbalanced, so on a track like that he probably wants a bit of ease in the ground.

“I think on a more conventional track he’ll be fine on faster ground, but we won’t make any plans until we see how he is.”

The Ralph Beckett-trained Bluestocking looked an obvious Oaks candidate for Juddmonte after winning on her Salisbury debut and being narrowly beaten on her reappearance in Listed company at Newbury.

But the team ultimately decided against a trip to Epsom and she will now either head for Royal Ascot or across the Channel for the French Oaks.

Mahon added: “She worked well on Tuesday morning and has the option of the Ribblesdale and she also has the option of the Prix de Diane as well.

“She’s a filly who probably won’t want rattling fast ground, so that will probably sway us as to where we end up going. If the forecast was mostly dry and Ascot was looking very quick, then we could consider going to France as I know there is rain forecast for there early next week.”

Ralph Beckett trains Bluestocking
Ralph Beckett trains Bluestocking (Mike Egerton/PA)

On the decision to sidestep Epsom, Mahon added: “It was purely down to a lack of experience. You need a bit of experience to handle a track like that.

“It would have been her third run and if you’re very street-wise and it’s your third run it’s fine, but we saw at Newbury she was quite green and looked inexperienced and cold.

“To be green on a conventional track like that I think didn’t bode well for Epsom, so we all felt we’d give her a bit more time and run her on a more conventional track.”



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Oaks bid not ruled out yet for Bluestocking

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Connections of smart filly Bluestocking have not ruled out the possibility she could still run in the Betfred Oaks at Epsom on Friday week.

The daughter of Camelot won a decent Salisbury novice over a mile on her debut in September and made her return in the Listed Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The Ralph Beckett-trained filly was sent off favourite under Rossa Ryan for the 10-furlong contest, but was beaten a head by Warm Heart and Ryan Moore.

A general 12-1 chance for the Oaks, the Juddmonte-owned Bluestocking also holds entries in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot and both the Group One Pretty Polly at the Curragh and the Irish Oaks in July.

Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s European racing manager, said the Epsom door is being kept open.

“Plans are pretty fluid. We’ll see how she comes out of the race,” he said.

“Ralph will decide. It is more unlikely than likely. It is not impossible, but we’ll see how she trains in the next week.

“She is an exciting filly going forward and she ran a good race on Saturday. We are very much not ruling it out, but as we all know, it is probably not an ideal preparation for her.

“If she doesn’t go to Epsom, she will go to the Ribblesdale. Ralph was happy with her on Sunday morning and he said let’s keep an open mind for next week and see what happens, so that’s where we’re at.”

Haskoy, who took the Group Three Al Rayyan Stakes by a short head from Israr on the same card, could head to the Ascot Gold Cup.

Connections are unsure if the four-year-old, who was having her seasonal bow following three runs last term, culminating in a two-length defeat in the St Leger – will get the two-and-a-half-mile trip.

Haskoy and Frankie Dettori (right) took the Al Rayyan Stakes
Haskoy and Frankie Dettori (right) took the Al Rayyan Stakes (Steven Paston/PA)

“It was a lovely run,” said Mahon. “She is a lovely mare, so genuine, so tough. We’ll just keep an open mind and will see how she trains, and we’ll think about Gold Cups closer to the time.

“The problem with the Gold Cup is no one really knows, until you actually try it, if you’ll stay.

“Ralph is happy enough that he thinks she’ll stay. Personally, I’m a little bit doubtful, but if it is deemed the right thing to do, we’re game and we’ll give it a go.

“We’re not trying to protect any stud values or anything. If Ralph and Frankie (Dettori) decided it was the right thing to do, we’ll possibly give it a go.

“It is tough for a four-year-old filly who has only had four runs.

“The good thing with her is that she is so genuine, so tough, there is no mental fragility. She is just a tough, genuine mare.”



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Chaldean in good shape after Guineas heroics

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Qipco 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean has taken his exertions at Newmarket on Saturday in his stride, according to connections.

The son of Frankel powered through rain-softened ground to land the mile Classic on what was, in effect, his three-year-old debut.

Having unshipped Frankie Dettori coming out of the stalls and running loose on his intended prep in the Greenham at Newbury, the frustration turned to delight for the 52-year-old Italian, who was riding in his 29th and final renewal of the race.

Having kept things simple, always close to the pace, Chaldean was sent for home early and never looked like he would be challenged once runner-up Hi Royal had started to empty.

It was a fourth success in the race for Dettori and a second in four years for trainer Andrew Balding, who had struck with Kameko in 2020.

Twelve years after the mighty Frankel had carried the famous Juddmonte green, pink and white colours to success in the race, his son took the laurels by a length and three-quarters.

European racing manager for the operation, Barry Mahon, said any celebrations were muted.

“The head’s not too bad. We had to go racing on Sunday, so the celebrations couldn’t be too extravagant, but hopefully there will be time to celebrate at some point,” he said. “Hopefully we’re not finished yet. We have a few more chances along the way.”

Chaldean will remain over a mile and head to the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot for his next start, with Paddy Power making him the 4-5 favourite to triumph in the Group One showpiece on June 20.

“He’s taken it well, he’s good,” added Mahon. “Andrew was happy with him when I spoke to him yesterday. He said he was quite tired on Sunday, but he said yesterday morning he was in good form again.

“The ground was very soft, yet on the Friday meeting, it was good to firm. They watered the ground in case the showers missed.

“I stayed the far side of the town and on Friday night, I promise you, there was a monsoon.

“The next morning I was talking to (trainer) David Simcock, who was on the racecourse side of town and he said they had rain, but nothing extravagant – a couple of millimetres. It is such a funny area.

“But he handled the ground, although it wouldn’t be his ideal conditions.”



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Arrest aiming to state Classic case at Chester

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Arrest will put his Derby credentials to the test under Frankie Dettori in Wednesday’s Boodles Chester Vase, with connections unsure if the tight track will suit the colt.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained son of Frankel takes on four rivals in the extended mile-and-a-half Group Three contest, with the race considered “Plan C” after Sandown’s Classic Trial was abandoned.

He opened his account at the second attempt in a mile maiden at the Esher track and, having subsequently won at Ffos Las, was beaten a head by Dubai Mile in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud.

Barry Mahon, European racing manager for the Juddmonte operation, explained why the race is a third option.

“Chester is probably not his ideal track, but we were meant to go to Sandown and unfortunately it was abandoned with the rain,” he said.

“The Vase was Plan C as originally we were going to the Dee Stakes (on Thursday), (but) the forecast is giving plenty of rain coming in on the Wednesday afternoon and night, so we said we’d go for the fresh ground on Wednesday.

“He is ready to run and we are hopeful he will run a nice race if he can handle the turns and undulations of Chester.

“Arrest is in good form. I saw him on Saturday and physically he’s done well from two to three. He was a big frame last year and he is definitely a stronger horse this year.

“John and Thady said the other morning that the experience of Chester would do him good. If we ended up going to Epsom, he will have that under his belt.

“We have seen it in the last few years with Aidan (O’Brien) and Barry Hills before that, they all take them to Chester for the reason that they get that experience, with the crowd on top of them.

“We had two quiet days at Sandown and then at Ffos Las – not too many people and not too much happening.

“The travel to France has done him good. He has enough miles under his belt and hopefully he’ll be able to handle it and the form with Dubai Mile looks good. He ran a good race in the Guineas when you look at his finishing position (fifth).”

There has been no more successful combination in the Chester Vase than jockey Ryan Moore and trainer Aidan O’Brien, who have won the race eight and 10 times respectively.

The partnership, successful last year with Changingoftheguard, rely on Adelaide River, runner-up in a pair of Group Threes last season before finishing third in the Saint-Cloud race.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien (right) and Ryan Moore have an unmatched record in the Chester Vase
Trainer Aidan O’Brien (right) and Ryan Moore have an unmatched record in the Chester Vase (Brian Lawless/PA)

The son of Australia makes his Classic-season bow with his rider expecting him to progress.

“He probably ran to a similar level form in his three starts after his debut win, ending up with a third in that one-mile-and-two-furlong Group One race at Saint-Cloud at the back-end,” Moore told his Betfair blog.

“Rain wouldn’t be a hindrance to his chances and hopefully he can kick on at three, though he has six lengths to find with Arrest on that French form.”

Hadrianus, who was narrowly defeated by the Gosdens’ Epictetus in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom, Michael Bell’s Duke Of Oxford, who is unbeaten after two all-weather runs, and the Andrew Balding-trained Galactic Jack complete the line-up.



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Dettori eager to resume Chaldean partnership in Greenham

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Chaldean will attempt to follow in his sire’s illustrious footsteps and enhance his Classic credentials when he lines up in Saturday’s Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

The son of Frankel, whose triumph in the seven-furlong contest 12 years ago was a springboard to legendary status, was last season’s top-rated British juvenile after landing the Dewhurst and he begins his three-year-old campaign with a warning from connections that he will not be fully wound up for the Group Three contest.

The Andrew Balding-trained colt won his last four starts – all over the same distance – after a debut reverse over six furlongs at Newbury.

Frankie Dettori will partner the Juddmonte-owned Chaldean, who is no bigger than 5-1 for the 2000 Guineas on May 6, as the popular Italian seeks a Classic victory in his farewell season.

Dettori even cut short his successful winter in America to resume his partnership with the colt and the World Pool ambassador said: “I could have stayed in America for longer based on the backing I was getting, and I was enjoying it a lot, but I’ve got some nice horses to get back on in the UK, starting with Chaldean in the Greenham on Saturday.

“I didn’t want to let go of this one and I’m really looking forward to getting on him again.

“He was a very good two-year-old last year, winning the Dewhurst, which often proves to be the best race juvenile race of the season. Before that, he was a comfortable winner of the Champagne Stakes, and the second, Indestructible, came out and won the Craven this week.”

Chaldean will take on 10 rivals with the Juddmonte racing manager Barry Mahon viewing the race as a stepping stone, having not run since taking his Group One at Newmarket in early October.

“Like all of these trials, he’s not 100 per cent tuned up, but he’s fit and well and ready to run a good race and we will see where that takes us,” said Mahon.

“These trials are so tight, it’s only two weeks to the Guineas from Newbury, so you don’t want to go there 100 per cent and have a hard race and leave your Guineas behind.

“He’ll be 85/90 per cent and in good form, and as long as he runs a race with promise, no matter where he finishes, it will build us into the Guineas in two weeks time.”

Chaldean’s dam, Suelita, is by Dutch Art, who won both the Prix Morny and Middle Park over six furlongs and was third in the Guineas when stepped up to a mile, a distance he never won over.

Asked if there were any doubts about staying a mile in the Guineas, Mahon added: “With his run style you would say no, but there is a lot of speed in his dam’s side.

“The dam is all five and six (furlongs) and there is very little seven in it.

“Frankel, we know, is a mile and 10-furlong (horse) and his progeny tend to stay, so we’re very hopeful he would get a mile, but I wouldn’t like to say it’s a foregone conclusion either.”

Zoology, owned by Qatar Racing and trained by James Ferguson, has fitness on his side.

A son of Zoustar, he won his maiden at Yarmouth impressively before finishing over 10 lengths adrift of Blackbeard in the Middle Park.

Yet he showed his well-being with a neck success over the Juddmonte-owned Covey upon his return at Southwell earlier this month, form that looked strong when the runner-up scored by four lengths in the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes at Newmarket on Tuesday.

James Ferguson has high hopes for Zoology
James Ferguson has high hopes for Zoology (Mike Egerton/PA)

Ferguson said: “He’s in great form, I’m really happy with him. He did a nice piece of work the other day and has come out of Southwell in great order.

“The form was massively franked with Covey winning at Newmarket. We obviously beat him with a 7lb penalty and I know that horse was first time out, but a 7lb penalty is enough.

“It’s obviously a massive step up, but I really hope for Sheikh Fahad and everybody he can go and run really well.”

Theoryofeverything heads into deeper waters for his second start, having won a seven-furlong Doncaster novice by six lengths three weeks ago.

Another son of Frankel, he is owned by Prince Faisal and trained by John and Thady Gosden, and holds an entry in the Dante.

“He won well on debut at Doncaster at the start of the season. He is a smartly-bred colt so we decided he should take his chance in a very competitive race,” said Thady Gosden.

“It is as strong a Greenham as we have seen for a while with plenty of smart horses in there and obviously it will be only his second run of his life.

“He is coming up against some much more experienced colts. It is a big step up from a maiden novice on soft ground.

“They’re forecast a little bit of rain on Friday night into Saturday morning and it is probably holding ground at the moment after a couple of drying days.

“He is a good-moving colt who obviously handled deep ground at Doncaster and he’ll handle the ground at Newbury.”

Eve Johnson Houghton saddles Streets Of Gold, who is unbeaten in five starts, having signed off his juvenile season with success in a valuable seven-furlong contest at York in October.

“He is really well, he has wintered well so I’m very happy with him,” said the trainer.

“He’s not the biggest horse and he hasn’t grown, but he’s filled out and muscled up. He seems in great form.

Streets of Gold took the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes at the Curragh in September
Streets of Gold took the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes at the Curragh in September (Donnall Farmer/PA)

“He has never been a flashy work horse, but he’s been working much better this year. It’s no easy feat to win five on the bounce, he just kept rolling and getting better and better.

“It’s a great starting point for him. I love Newbury as a racecourse, it is just down the road from us.

“If Streets of Gold wins the Greenham or runs well in the Greenham, he will be heading for the English 2000 Guineas. I would be very confident that he would handle the undulations at Newmarket and I have no concerns with trip.”

By Dark Angel, Charyn won two of his four starts as a juvenile for Roger Varian, including the Group Two Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte at Chantilly in October.

Varian said: “He’s a nice colt. He has only got four runs under his belt but has some very good form.

“He was good in his novices and then ran a nice race behind Sakheer in the Mill Reef where I felt he was still learning his trade, but he showed a good level in winning the Group Two at Chantilly in October.

Roger Varian wants to find out more about Charyn
Roger Varian wants to find out more about Charyn (Mike Egerton/PA

“He’s a pretty solid horse who shouldn’t mind the forecast cut in the ground.

“It is likely to be a strong Greenham but he is a colt we like and how he performs will give us a bit of a steer as to where we go with him. But he’s training nicely, looks the part and we’re looking forward to running him.”

Ralph Beckett is responsible for Greys Monument, who was runner-up to Knight – who re-opposes – in the Horris Hill over course and distance when last seen.

Beckett said: “He will need the run and this is on the sharp side for him.”



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Chaldean to prep for 2000 Guineas bid in Greenham

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Leading 2000 Guineas contender Chaldean will tune up for his tilt at the opening Classic of the season in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes next month.

Andrew Balding’s son of Frankel is the general third-favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained pair of Auguste Rodin and Little Big Bear for the Newmarket showpiece (May 6) on the back of an impeccable juvenile season.

Although only fifth at Newbury on debut, he soon returned to the Berkshire track to set the record straight before picking up a further three victories at two – ending the year by claiming Group One honours on the Rowley Mile in the Dewhurst Stakes in October.

Chaldean (right) ridden by Frankie Dettori on way to winning Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse
Chaldean (right) ridden by Frankie Dettori on way to winning Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse (Tim Goode/PA)

It will again be Newbury where Chaldean starts his campaign and owners Juddmonte will be hoping the super-talented colt can uphold their fine record in the seven-furlong Group Three having seen both the imperious Frankel (2011) and Kingman (2014) taste success in the renowned Guineas trial in recent times.

“I spoke to Andrew (Balding) this morning and he was very happy with him,” said Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s racing manager.

“He said he worked nicely on Saturday and all being well he is set to take his place in the Greenham and then we will see where we go from there.”

Chaldean was ridden by Frankie Dettori in his final two starts of last season and the Italian will be given the opportunity to maintain the duo’s unbeaten partnership if returning from his winter spell in California in time for one final crack at the Rowley Mile’s early-season feature.

“If Frankie comes back from America in time then he will ride him,” continued Mahon.

“When we were all in the parade ring after the Dewhurst we sort of made that agreement and the Abdullah family are happy to stick by it. So as long as he doesn’t get a ride in the Kentucky Derby, I’m sure he will be back to ride him.

Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount after winning the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on Chaldean at Newmarket
Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount after winning the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on Chaldean at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

“It would be great as he has been such a phenomenal man for the sport. He’s been one of the best jockeys in the world for the past 20 years so it would be great to see him going out on a high and getting a few Group One winners during his last summer.”

Sir Michael Stoute’s Nostrum is another high-class prospect in the famous pink and green silks of Juddmonte for connections to get excited about as the Flat turf season draws ever near.

Only seen three times last term, the Kingman colt was a taking winner of the Tattersalls Stakes over the 2000 Guineas course and distance in September before his inexperience cost him when third behind Chaldean over a furlong less in the Dewhurst.

The likeable bay holds entries in the Newmarket, Irish and French Guineas and Mahon suggest he could make his reappearance in one of those, sure to be, red-hot assignments.

“Michael is very happy with Nostrum, he’s ticking along nicely,” added Mahon.

“He hasn’t really set any targets for him yet and I don’t think he will run in a trial. He could go straight to a Guineas, but we haven’t decided which one yet.”



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