Roger Teal is buoyed by Dancing Gemini’s fourth-placed run when returning to Group One company in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.
The Camelot colt started his season at the same grade at ParisLongchamp, where he was the runner-up when beaten only half a length in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.
Subsequent runs in the Derby and Eclipse saw him finish sixth both times, after which a step down to Group Three class resulted in a fifth-placed finish in the Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood.
Teal felt the latter run was an unreliable reflection of the bay’s ability and that theory was proved to be true when he lined up at Ascot as a 50-1 chance under Tom Marquand on Saturday.
On soft ground the three-year-old finished fourth in an admirable run that stands him in good stead for his next outing, whether that be later this season or next year.
Dancing Gemini heading to post for the Derby (Bradley Collyer/PA)
“He ran a lovely race to get us back on track, it was a solid run in a very classy field,” said Teal.
“I was delighted with him. Now it’s all a bit up in the air at the moment, there are no firms plans. I’ll have to speak to his owner and see how he comes out of the race and then we’ll decide if we want to look for something else or put him away until next year.
“He took the race very well, he settled much better and Tom might have ridden him a bit more forward if he’d known he was going to settle so well.
“He was just too keen the previous time, it was a very solid run and it was really nice to see him back on track.”
Teal considers the horse to have developed physically throughout the season and is looking forward to seeing how he returns to the yard with a winter break under his belt.
Dancing Gemini working on the track at Epsom ahead of the Derby (John Walton/PA)
“I think he’ll probably get a mile and a quarter next year, he’s still maturing, still growing,” he said.
“He looks better now than he did at the start of the season, he’s put on a bit of weight and there’s much more about him than there was.
“I think he’s a horse that has just taken a while to come to hand. Physically he’s looking much better and when he’s found his full strength, he will probably get a mile and a quarter.
“To be fair to the horse, apart from Goodwood he hasn’t had a chance on better ground and he just boiled over that day. He was keen to post and keen in the race, he got very worked up so it wasn’t a race to judge him on.
“I’d like to see him on a bit of decent ground because he tends to have run in the mud, so it’s hard to get a true guide on him.
“I said to David (Fish, owner) when we were going to meet him in the winners’ enclosure ‘we’ll come back next year and win that!’.”
Dancing Gemini drops both in grade and distance seeking to rediscover the winning groove in the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood.
Roger Teal’s star colt has been set lofty targets since winning the Flying Scotsman Stakes at two and has not been disgraced when campaigning at the highest level ever since.
He returned at three with an agonising second in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, a performance which earned him a shot at further Classic honours in the Derby and while things did not go to plan at Epsom, he came back to 10 furlongs for another shot at City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse.
Having been last of six in testing conditions at Sandown, connections have decided to take stock and lower their sights slightly, with the son of Camelot reverting to Group Three company as he drops back to a mile on the Sussex Downs.
Dancing Gemini after the French 2000 Guineas (PA)
“I felt the Eclipse was a tough run for him in that ground and ideally we shouldn’t have run him, and I just wanted to find something easier for him so we could regroup really and see how we get on,” said Teal.
“He was a bit quiet for a week after Sandown, it took a lot out of him, but he seems to be back to himself now and I’m happy with him.
“If he can bring his French Guineas run to the table he should be challenging.”
Dancing Gemini will be ridden for the first time by Oisin Murphy, with Teal finally getting the chance to leg-up the three-time champion jockey having pencilled him in to ride in the Eclipse in June.
Oisin Murphy will ride Dancing Gemini at Goodwood (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)
“I have not really heard of him much, but I think he’s all right,” quipped Teal.
“I was hoping Oisin could have ridden him in the Eclipse, but he had to go to Haydock that day. He’s had a sit at home and he liked him a lot when he rode him.
“Fingers crossed we can get a clear run and then see what happens.”
This race was won 12 months ago by John and Thady Gosden and they have a real player once again in Lead Artist.
Lead Artist has shown plenty of ability so far (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Beaten a nose on debut in the Wood Ditton, he then impressed when shedding his maiden status at York before finishing third when upped to Listed level for the Henry Cecil Stakes.
Lead Artist is one of two in the race for owners Juddmonte who can also rely on Ralph Beckett’s Task Force – with the Kimpton Down handler himself doubly represented by also saddling King’s Gamble.
Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte, feels there is still plenty to be discovered about both of their colts and said: “They are two nice horses and we are probably trying to learn a bit about both of them, hence why we are letting them run.
“I think Lead Artist didn’t appreciate the soft ground the last day in Newmarket and it was a bit of a messy race – there was one group up the middle and we were on the far side on the slowest ground.
“Kieran (Shoemark, jockey) felt he just didn’t handle the ground and it was good to firm the day he won his maiden and we are looking forward to seeing him back on a sounder surface and we still think he is a colt with plenty of potential moving forward.”
On Task Force, he added: “We’re just in a little bit of limbo with Task Force, in the Guineas he ran a good race but the Jersey was a bit messy and we didn’t really learn much that day.
“He looked to us like he wants further and I think Goodwood on Friday, stepping up to a mile on a sound surface, is going to pinpoint to us whether he is a mile horse, a mile plus or where we are going with him.
“It could be that he has not trained on from two to three, I think we’ll find answers to all the questions like that on Friday, but his work at home has been solid and I do think he has done well from two to three, so we just need to get back on the right path with him.”
Al Musmak winning at Newmarket (Joe Giddens/PA)
It was Roger Varian’s Al Musmak who was ahead of Lead Artist when claiming the Henry Cecil Stakes, successfully dropping back to a mile at Newmarket’s July meeting.
The Carlburg Stables handler is wishing for a favour from the weather gods as he competes at that winning distance once again, with Silvestre de Sousa in the saddle.
“I wouldn’t mind a thunderstorm for him and he appreciated getting his toe in at Newmarket in the Henry Cecil Stakes,” said Varian.
“He’s in great form, but I do think he is better with a little bit of cushion in the ground. It’s a nice race for him.”
Varian is another with two contenders, with Boiling Point another in the mix, while his owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid will see his colours also carried by Karl Burke’s Ice Max.
Socialite lost his unbeaten record in the Henry Cecil and goes for Charlie Hills, with Joseph O’Brien’s Irish Raider Atlantic Coast and Richard Fahey’s Native American completing the line-up.
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/273732259-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2024-08-01 11:21:242024-08-01 11:21:24Teal hopes new Goodwood trip can be a hit for Dancing Gemini
Dancing Gemini is poised to drop back to a mile in search of a confidence boost after the colt finished down the field in the Coral-Eclipse.
Roger Teal’s stable star had finished second in the French 2000 Guineas on his return before not being disgraced behind City Of Troy in the Derby.
The move back to 10 furlongs at Sandown was expected to bring the two Epsom rivals closer than the eight and a quarter lengths which separated them on the Surrey Downs.
However, after travelling menacingly into the straight, Dancing Gemini failed to pick-up in the rain-softened ground – finishing last of the six to take part as City Of Troy once again took home the spoils.
Dancing Gemini winning at Doncaster as a two-year-old (Tim Goode/PA)
Teal said: “I think he struggled on the ground and he travelled really strong, it was just when Kieran (Shoemark, jockey) thought he was going to pick up, he just couldn’t and his stride shortened.
“I’m not sure he saw the trip out on that ground and he was travelling best of all coming up the hill but when Kieran asked him, he was padding a little bit.
“I would love to run this horse on better ground and I was concerned in the morning because of the amount of rain they had. I know what that hill is like at Sandown, it stops trains.”
As well as somewhat regretting the decision to run once conditions deteriorated in Esher, Teal feels now is the time to take stock and return to a mile.
Trainer Roger Teal is considering a move back to a mile with Dancing Gemini (John Walton/PA)
A drop in grade is also on the cards and the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood on August 2 is in the back of the trainer’s mind for his colt’s next outing.
Teal continued: “He’s got form on soft ground and you were snookered into running him, but I think in hindsight I might have been better hooking him out – you live and learn.
“I would like to drop back to a mile and regroup. We’re just going to monitor him over the next week or so and make sure we are happy with him and then maybe step back to a mile next time.
“I think we will lower our sights a little bit, get a confidence-booster into him and get him back on track. We probably need to get our sensible heads on and try something at a slightly lesser level and go from there.
“There’s a Group Three at Goodwood over a mile in August – that is something I have my eye on if he is OK. We will probably aim for that and see what happens and try to get him back on track.”
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Joseph O’Brien will attempt to spoil the party when Al Riffa takes on the mighty City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse.
Aidan O’Brien is searching for a record-extending eighth victory in the Sandown feature with his all-conquering Derby hero, but his son, who finished second in the race aboard his father’s Declaration Of War in 2013, now hopes to go one better with his first Eclipse starter as a trainer.
A Group One winner at two, Al Riffa has failed to add to his juvenile success despite pushing the Arc-winning Ace Impact close at three and also shaping with promise this term.
The son of Wootton Bassett was poised for a step up in trip following his most recent run at Saratoga, but has impressed connections since returning from the US, with a rethink seeing the four-year-old rerouted to this high-class 10-furlong event.
Al Riffa will be Joseph O’Brien’s first runner in the Eclipse (Niall Carson/PA)
“He’s in very good form since America, originally it wasn’t our intention to come here, but he’s been very well since Saratoga,” said O’Brien.
“It looks like a competitive renewal of the race with a few unexposed ones in there, but we hope we can mix it with them. We will just ride our own race and get a nice set-up for our horse.
“He ran really well in the Prix Ganay and even in America the last day he ran much better than the finishing position would suggest, so we are excited about the horse for the season ahead and hopefully he can keep taking forward steps.”
Al Riffa’s participation has led to Kieran Shoemark picking up the spare ride aboard Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini, replacing Dylan Browne McMonagle.
Dancing Gemini at Epsom ahead of the Derby (Bradley Collyer/PA)
The son of Camelot has already clashed with City Of Troy once this season, with eight and a quarter lengths separating the pair in the Derby.
However, Teal is hopeful a drop back to 10 furlongs can help bridge the gap between the Epsom winner and his French 2000 Guineas runner-up.
“He’s been very good, everything has gone nicely. We’ve just been ticking him over, really, and everything’s gone according to plan,” said Teal.
“He didn’t disgrace us at all (in the Derby). We’d have wanted a better trip round ideally, we were a long way back and then ended up going wide on the turn in and scrimmaging for a position.
Trainer Roger Teal has enormous faith in Dancing Gemini (John Walton/PA)
“He ended up coming wide on dead ground from the day before so it wasn’t ideal, but taking that into consideration, he ran a blinder.
“The track will probably be more up his street and coming back a few furlongs won’t hurt him at all, everything seems to be a lot better suited to him.
“We deliberately missed Ascot to keep him fresh for this. Ascot comes pretty quick after Epsom and we knew we were going to have a battle at Epsom whatever happened.
“We decided before we ran there that we would keep our powder dry for the Eclipse, so hopefully it pays off.”
Ghostwriter winning at Newmarket as a two-year-old (Tim Goode/PA)
Owner Jeff Smith is represented by both Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter and Andrew Balding’s See The Fire, but it is the former who will carry the main hopes after two sterling efforts in Classic company this term.
Last year’s Royal Lodge winner was fourth in what has worked out as a red-hot 2000 Guineas on his return to action, while his brave effort to fill the same position in the Prix du Jockey Club has connections craving a return to a sounder surface at the London track.
“His fourth in the Guineas was a commendable effort, and that form has been franked by the Richard Hannon colts Rosallion and Haatem,” said Cox.
“They finished just in front of him at Newmarket and have flown the flag for the Guineas since in Ireland and at Royal Ascot.
“We hoped he’d deal with what we thought would be just slightly easier ground in France, but the times were reflective of proper soft ground and I think it just took a little bit of his punch away from him.
“We are pleased to remain at a mile and a quarter and we are very much looking forward to Saturday. The way he finished off on the rising ground in the Royal Lodge was very pleasing and I see no reason why Sandown won’t suit him.”
Brian Meehan gives Jayarebe the chance to become his second Eclipse winner after registering his second win of the season at Royal Ascot.
It is 18 years since David Junior struck for the Manton handler, but he has an improving colt on his hands in Jayarebe, who is deserving of this move into deep waters after his Hampton Court Stakes triumph.
Jayarebe winning at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)
Ahead of a key British Champions Series event, Meehan said: “I know they thought King’s Gambit was an unlucky loser at Royal Ascot, but Sean (Levey) committed Jayarebe early and he hit the line strong. We ran a very straightforward race and I don’t think you could say we were lucky winners.
“He’s very progressive and apart from Chester, where he didn’t handle the track, he’s done nothing wrong. He’s very, very good and he’s going to keep improving.”
Reminiscing about his 2006 win, he added: “David Junior was a great horse and won three Group Ones for me. He was very prolific and he’d already won a Champion Stakes and a Dubai Duty Free when he went to Sandown.
“The Champion Stakes and the Eclipse are bucket list races. They are high on everyone’s wish list, so it was great to win them both.”
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Kieran Shoemark has been booked to ride Dancing Gemini when he lines up for Roger Teal in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday.
The Camelot colt made a pleasing start to the season when second in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, the French equivalent of the 2000 Guineas, at ParisLongchamp in May.
He then took aim at the Derby in June, stepping up sharply to a mile-and-a-half trip at Epsom and starting an 8-1 chance when drawn wide in stall 15.
There he finished sixth of 16 when not afforded the most competitive passage through the race from his draw, but connections were far from disheartened and made plans to skip Royal Ascot to pitch him in at the top level again at Sandown.
Dancing Gemini has been ridden in both starts this season by the young Irish talent Dylan Browne McMonagle, but the rider is based with Joseph O’Brien and will be required to ride Al Riffa for the stable on Saturday.
Oisin Murphy was also considered but is required to ride for John and Thady Gosden in the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock on the same day, as he is retained by Qatar Racing, owners of his mount Queen Of The Pride.
Shoemark will therefore get the leg-up as Dancing Gemini steps back down to 10 furlongs at the weekend.
“Al Riffa is committed for Joseph, we knew he had an entry so we’ve basically worked around the idea that we won’t be getting Dylan,” said Teal.
“We set out to use a jockey familiar with our tracks, which will help us, though Dylan’s a very good jockey and I’m sure he’s going to be champion in Ireland.
“It will help to have someone who is streetwise and has a bit of knowledge of the track, so that decision was made.
“Oisin Murphy was due to take the ride but Mr Gosden has made an entry up in the Lancashire Oaks and Oisin is under contract to go out there.
“We’ve taken the chance on Kieran and we think he ticks a lot of the boxes.”
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Roger Teal is eyeing up a crack at the Coral-Eclipse for Dancing Gemini who ran with credit to finish sixth in the Derby on Saturday.
Having already run a huge race this season to be an unlucky second in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas), he stepped up half a mile in trip at Epsom.
Drawn in stall 15, Dylan Browne McMonagle had to take his medicine and found himself at the back of the pack before working his way into contention with a furlong to run, only to fade in the final 100 yards behind impressive winner City Of Troy.
“He seems fine, all is good with him,” said Teal.
“He made up a lot of ground but we were just in the wrong position on the track and he had to use up a lot of horse to get into a position and then he weakened close home.
“He’d made a big effort to get among the placings but it didn’t go as smooth as we would have liked. It was a big field and there was a lot of congestion around Tattenham Corner, he ended up going wider than he would have liked.
“What he has shown is that he belongs in those races, he hasn’t disgraced us at all and he ran with credit. With a clearer run he might have been placed.”
Looking towards the future, Teal said: “Timing-wise I think the Eclipse looks the favourable race to go for.
“We had him in the St James’s Palace but we took him out as we thought he’d probably have a hard race in the Derby and it would come too quick. The Eclipse gives us time to freshen him up so as we stand, that’s his target at the moment.
“I’m not sure where the winner will go, possibly the Irish Derby. I just thought he had a bad day at Newmarket, I never bought into the fact he hadn’t trained on. Had he won the Guineas ironically there might have only been eight runners in the Derby which would have suited us but because he got beat a few more threw their hat in the ring.”
Roger Teal has given Dancing Gemini the green light to line up in the Betfred Derby following a pleasing racecourse gallop at Epsom on Tuesday morning.
Twice a winner from five starts as a two-year-old last season, the son of 2012 Derby hero Camelot has already come close to claiming Classic glory this spring, finishing a half-length second to Metropolitan in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, the French 2000 Guineas, at ParisLongchamp.
Another trip across the Channel for the French Derby was under consideration, but having seemingly taken well to the cambered Epsom track in a workout with high-class sprinting stablemate Chipstead, he is poised to take his chance in the world’s most famous Flat race on June 1.
Roger Teal and Will Cox at Epsom (Neil Morrice/PA)
Teal said: “I’m very happy, he looked good coming down the hill. Will (Cox) said he handled the track beautifully and although we didn’t go mad, it was a nice healthy exercise.
“William said it all went well, so I think we will roll our sleeves up and come here. While it’s tempting to go back to France, coming here with a live contender is unbelievable, especially for David Fish and his wife Linda (owners).”
Having never previously raced beyond a mile, Dancing Gemini will be taking a big step into the unknown over a mile and a half in the Derby, but Teal is hopeful his stamina will stand up to the test.
He added: “We actually had discussions about this possibility last year and deduced that although he’s very speedy, he’s bred to be a mile and a half horse. He has such a relaxed manner you can put him to sleep, and I hope we can use his burst of speed at the finish.
“The field has thinned out, which helps us a little bit, and I feel we’ve got to have a crack.
“I have lots of good memories here, as I used to stand in Philip Mitchell’s garden near the start and watch the field go by.
“It’s very exciting to be involved in the Derby this year.”
David Fish, owner-breeder of Dancing Gemini, at Epsom (John Walton/PA)
Irish rider Dylan Browne McMonagle was on board Dancing Gemini in the French 2000 Guineas and looks set to be reunited with Teal’s stable star at Epsom next month.
“Dylan couldn’t make it this morning as he’s riding at Cork, but he’s ridden a Listed winner for Mr Fish and we’ve bought into him because he’s a cool cookie, which is what you need on a big raceday,” said the trainer.
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Dancing Gemini’s fast-finishing effort was in vain as Metropolitan and Alexis Pouchin caused a shock in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains at ParisLongchamp.
Trained by Mario Baratti, the son of Zarak charted a course close to the pace set by John and Thady Gosden’s Orne, and from his position on the far rail was in the perfect spot to make his charge for home in the closing stages.
Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini emerged from the pack to lay down a strong challenge late in the day but Metropolitan was finishing just as strongly, pulling out extra when it mattered most to seal the victory.
Aidan O’Brien’s Henry Longfellow was sent off favourite but was never a factor, with Diego Velazquez finishing best of the Ballydoyle pair in fourth. Having been up with the pace throughout, Andre Fabre’s Alcantor was third.
It was a bittersweet result for Teal, who although agonisingly denied in his quest to secure a first Classic, can take comfort in the fact he has a top-class performer to look forward to in Dancing Gemini.
The Camelot colt holds entries for both the Betfred Derby at Epsom and the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly a day later and the handler admits he has plenty to ponder over the coming days.
Teal said: “He ran a blinder and we’ve always had confidence in him – thank God he’s backed us up today.
“I thought we were going to get there and he’s done everything right, the winner just got a few lengths on us turning in and got a good run up the rail. Dancing Gemini was getting there and he went down on his sword.
Dancing Gemini after the French 2000 Guineas (PA)
“He hasn’t had a prep run and will benefit for this race. If he can come forward from this, then you would like to think there is a big day in him.
“We’re going to have to have a chat and he’s in both the English and French Derby. He’s bred to stay, but he’s also got a lot of speed, he’s got a good kick. We’ll let the dust settle, have a chat and see which way we want to head.”
Meanwhile, Royal Ascot could be on the agenda for the winner Metropolitan having secured Classic honours.
Baratti said: “In the preparatory race, his performance wasn’t as bad as it seemed. He needed the run after a break and was ridden very conservatively.
“Physically, he’s splendid, and he’s only improving mentally. We drew one – it was a gift from heaven.
“As for the future, I’m sure he could stay and go a bit longer, but Pascal Bary told me that when you have a horse performing well at a mile, don’t stretch him. So, we’re not ruling out Royal Ascot and the St James’s Palace Stakes, even though he’s not entered.
“After his comeback, it seemed presumptuous, but I’ve always believed in him.”
O’Brien felt the race had not been run to suit either of his contenders, saying: “My two horses ran well, but the race lacked pace.
“I’m happy with their performance and we’re looking to the future now. The soft ground throughout the spring didn’t help. I think Diego Velazquez can at least stay 2,400 meters (12 furlongs).”
Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini is bidding for French Classic success as he takes his chance in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains at Longchamp on Sunday.
The Camelot colt acquitted himself well as a two-year-old, winning a Newbury maiden and the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster.
On his final run last year, he was fifth in the Group One Futurity Trophy back at Doncaster, though the heavy ground there was not considered ideal and he will encounter a better surface in France.
The bay is drawn in stall four, a competitive berth and one Teal is hoping will bode well after connections chose to head across the Channel with the horse instead of the Rowley Mile.
“He’s great, he’s done very well over the winter and we’ve been incredibly pleased with him,” said Teal.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to has told me that you need a low draw at Longchamp and I was dreading it, I thought we were guaranteed to get 13!
“For once we were lucky and actually got a decent draw so I’m happy with that.”
Of the decision not to head to Newmarket, Teal added: “The owner was pretty keen to go to France. I agree you shouldn’t be afraid of one horse, but I think it was probably the sensible thing to do.
“The decision is made so we’ll go over and hope he runs well.”
Aidan O’Brien has a high-profile unbeaten contender in Henry Longfellow, a Dubawi colt who won three successive Curragh contests last year – including the Group Two Futurity Stakes and the Group One National Stakes.
Henry Longfellow winning the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh (Damien Eagers/PA)
He sidestepped the English Guineas to allow City Of Troy to make his ultimately unsuccessful bid, but now has his own chance to bring a Classic title back to his Ballydoyle yard.
“He’s in good form and he’s ready to start back,” said O’Brien.
“Obviously he had some very good form to his name last season, winning a Group Two and a Group One, and we’re hoping he’ll run another good race again.
“He’s done everything right this year and is ready to get going.
“This is his first time on a round track, so it will be different for him, but he’s in good form.”
O’Brien also runs the striking Diego Velazquez, winner of the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes last term.
“He’s working like a horse that will stay further than a mile, and would be comfortable going up to a mile and a quarter. So we think it will be good experience for him to get him out around Longchamp.
“It’s possible he could go to the French Derby after that, he’s in good form and working nice.”
How about this for a debut! 🚀
Supercooled passes them all to make a big impression first time out at Saint-Cloud for André Fabre… pic.twitter.com/KXaY5ZXZ7U
Supercooled is trained by Andre Fabre for the Niarchos family and has run twice already this season, finishing second in the Prix Comrade and then winning the Prix Machado over course and distance.
Both runs were on heavy ground, but his two-length maiden win the season prior was on good to soft and connections are expecting him to appreciate better conditions.
“He’s been an exciting horse from the day he broke his maiden,” said Alan Cooper, racing manager for the owners.
“He had a bit of a setback later on in the season last year, but he’s done very well in conditions that are slower than ideal for him.
“On Sunday it is meant to be good ground and hopefully he will give a very good account of himself in his first black-type race.
“He takes a big step up, but Mr Fabre is there every day with him and likes him and we’ll see how he stacks up with those with proven Group form in the race. Like all Group One races, it will be very interesting.”
🚨 First 2yo winner of 2023 for H.H. the Aga Khan!#Keran won very easily on debut. The precocious colt (📸 as a foal) is by Blue Point out of the speedy Stakes winning mare Kerasona. pic.twitter.com/uSeYYSy3Of
The Aga Khan silks are represented by Keran and Roshvar, trained by Jean-Claude Rouget and Francis-Henri Graffard respectively.
Keran was second in the Group Three Prix Djebel when last seen, with Roshvar a runner-up over course and distance on his last outing.
Georges Rimaud, director of the Aga Khan Studs in France, said: “Keran has worked very well and Jean-Claude Rouget thinks that he can stay a mile. It’s a gamble that’s worth taking.
“As for Roshvar, we’re continuing along the path we set ourselves. It’s true that he showed immaturity in the Prix Machado, but he’s learning through experience.”
Yann Barberot’s Beauvatier fared well as a two-year-old, winning four races and finishing third in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere before beginning this year with a second-placed run behind Ramadan in the Prix de Fontainebleau.
“Beauvatier worked very well on Monday morning. Maxime Guyon came to ride him,” Barberot said of the colt.
“He knows every inch of him and everything, so far, is going according to plan. The plan was, in fact, to ensure that he wasn’t fully wound up for his reappearance, with a view to stepping up on that effort in the Classic.
“He will have the notable advantage of being familiar with ParisLongchamp compared to the foreign colts.”
Ramadan wins the Prix de Fontainebleau! 👏
Christopher Head's French Guineas-entered colt gets the job done at ParisLongchamp… pic.twitter.com/0dRJtLwMjG
Christopher Head’s Ramadan is also a part of the field, with his Prix de Fontainebleau success preceded by a Listed win at Saint-Cloud.
Mathieu le Forestier, racing manager for owner Nurlan Bizakov, said: “The news concerning Ramadan is good and his trainer reports that he’s doing very well. His preparation has gone smoothly, and Christopher Head is following the pre-established plan.
“All the lights are flashing green. There won’t be that many runners, which means we can be more relaxed about our race plan. In a field of 13 runners, that’s enough to facilitate a fast-run race, while, by the same token, it should guarantee no hard-luck stories. The race should be a fluid one.
“Victory would be important in so many ways. Le Havre (the sire of Ramadan) died all too soon (in 2022) after putting the Haras de Montfort and Preaux stud on the map, so it would obviously make a lot of sense for us to have one of his sons as a stallion prospect.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/273732308-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2024-05-11 12:36:302024-05-11 16:35:09Dancing mixing it with the stars on Sunday
Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini could start his campaign in either the French or the English 2000 Guineas.
The Camelot colt was twice a winner as a juvenile, taking a Newbury maiden and then the Listed Flying Scotsman at Doncaster.
He then stepped up to Group One level to contest the Kameko Futurity Trophy back at Doncaster, a mile event run on heavy ground in October.
There he finished fifth as Charlie’s Appleby’s Ancient Wisdom took first place, a run Teal has taken the positives from as Dancing Gemini gained experience ahead of his three-year-old campaign.
Dancing Gemini (centre) impressed in Listed company (Tim Goode/PA)
“Conditions were soft when we won the Listed race but it wasn’t as bad as when we ran him in the Group One,” he said.
“We perhaps committed him too soon and then there was the horse that got upset in the stalls, so there was a delay as they’d all been loaded.
“He probably used up a bit of nervous energy, but he didn’t run bad at all in those conditions.”
Teal is pleased with how the colt has developed over the winter and is taking aim at either the French or English Guineas as his opening run of the season.
“He’s taken his work very well, he looks like he’s come forward so we’re really happy,” he said.
“He’s in both Guineas, French and English, so that’s what we’re aiming at. We’ll see a bit closer to the time which one we’re going to go for.
“He’s by a Derby winner and out of an Australia mare, so he’s bred to get the trip. Fingers crossed he goes well in the Guineas so we can start to dream big.
Dancing Gemini (right) in action at Doncaster (Andrew Matthews/PA)
“He was a bit of a frame last year but he was always growing, he was a bit bum high but he seems to have levelled off now.
“He’s done very well, we’re very happy with him. He’s not a massive horse but he is a nice stamp, a nice athletic animal.
“He’s a Camelot and he tends to stamp them as good-looking horses.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/9b9fed1c-0c60-41df-87ec-27288595071a.jpeg10242048Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2024-04-01 13:08:172024-04-01 13:08:17Teal plotting direct 2000 Guineas route for Dancing Gemini
James Doyle has been booked for the plum ride on Kameko Futurity Trophy favourite Diego Velazquez at Doncaster on Saturday.
His trainer Aidan O’Brien has an enviable record in the Town Moor Group One and is responsible for five of the 11 possibles.
The Ballydoyle handler has won the race a record 11 times already and is going for three in a row on the back of Luxembourg (2021) and Auguste Rodin last year and also has Battle Cry, Chief Little Rock, Capulet and Henry Adams engaged.
Doyle partnered O’Brien’s Warm Heart to a Group One double this season in the Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermeille.
James Doyle (left and Aidan O’Brien have teamed up to good effect this season (Mike Egerton/PA)
“Diego Velazquez looks the main one for the Futurity Trophy on Saturday,” said O’Brien.
“We are very happy with him since his last run and James Doyle has been booked for him. We will probably run one other horse in the race and we are looking forward to it.”
Charlie Appleby and Godolphin supplemented impressive Autumn Stakes scorer Ancient Wisdom as expected having pleased in a weekend workout.
Appleby said: “He has come out of that piece of work in good shape so we were keen to supplement this morning. The ground is looking like it will be soft at Doncaster and I feel like he is going to be a very strong contender.”
Roger Teal is looking forward to taking on the big guns with Dancing Gemini, who followed up a Newbury maiden win by romping away with the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes on Town Moor.
“Everything seems spot on with him and it’s all good at this stage,” said the Lambourn trainer. “He was very impressive at Doncaster last time and we’re looking forward to giving it a go.
“I think the mile will suit him, as he certainly wasn’t stopping there over seven furlongs – and when he won at Newbury, he was only just getting going in the closing stages.
“Soft ground obviously wouldn’t be a problem as it was pretty testing up there last month but, looking at the weather forecast, it could well end up heavy and that is always a bit of an unknown.
“But all we can do is roll our sleeves up and get on with it. It’s a good race and something like this is never going to be easy, but we’ll be giving it a real go.”
John and Thady Gosden could be represented by God’s Window, a course and distance maiden winner on soft ground when getting the better of Ben Brookhouse’s Redhot Whisper, who could reoppose.
David Menuisier will bid to follow up Sunway’s Group One success in France on Sunday by saddling Devil’s Point and outsider Deira Mile could make his debut for Owen Burrows after being switched from Charlie Johnston.
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/273662274-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-10-23 16:56:592023-10-23 16:56:59James Doyle booked for Diego Velazquez Trophy bid
Roger Teal is looking forward to taking on the big guns with Dancing Gemini in Saturday’s Kameko Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster.
Aidan O’Brien is responsible for five of the 11 remaining entries, including ante-post favourite Diego Velazquez, while Godolphin have supplemented recent Newmarket scorer Ancient Wisdom, as expected.
However, Teal is not shying away from going for Group One glory with Dancing Gemini, who followed up a Newbury maiden win by romping away with the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes on Town Moor.
“Everything seems spot on with him and it’s all good at this stage,” said the Lambourn trainer. “He was very impressive at Doncaster last time and we’re looking forward to giving it a go.
“I think the mile will suit him, as he certainly wasn’t stopping there over seven furlongs – and when he won at Newbury, he was only just getting going in the closing stages.
“Soft ground obviously wouldn’t be a problem as it was pretty testing up there last month but, looking at the weather forecast, it could well end up heavy and that is always a bit of an unknown.
“But all we can do is roll our sleeves up and get on with it. It’s a good race and something like this is never going to be easy, but we’ll be giving it a real go.”
Ballydoyle maestro O’Brien has won this race a record 11 times and will be chasing a hat-trick of victories following triumphs for Luxembourg in 2021 and Auguste Rodin last term.
Diego Velazquez ridden by jockey Ryan Moore (left) beating Capulet at Leopardstown (Damien Eagers/PA)
His main hope this season appears to be Diego Velazquez, last seen securing a Group Two success at Leopardstown in September when seeing off stablemate Capulet, who is another possible Doncaster contender.
O’Brien also has Battle Cry, Chief Little Rock and Henry Adams still engaged.
The Charlie Appleby-trained Ancient Wisdom created a big impression when powering just under four lengths clear of Chief Little Rock in the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket.
John and Thady Gosden could be represented by God’s Window, a course and distance maiden winner on soft ground when getting the better of Ben Brookhouse’s Redhot Whisper, who could reoppose.
David Menuisier will bid to follow up Sunway’s Group One success in France on Sunday by saddling Devil’s Point and outsider Deira Mile could make his debut for Owen Burrows after being switched from Charlie Johnston.
Coral’s David Stevens said: “Whilst Dancing Gemini is very much respected following his Listed course success last month, the market for the season’s final Group One is dominated by Diego Velazquez and Ancient Wisdom.
“Both colts are also prominent in the betting for next year’s 2000 Guineas and Derby, although it will take a special performance from either to dislodge City Of Troy as winter favourite for either Classic.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/273732259-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-10-23 12:59:272023-10-23 12:59:27Dancing Gemini all set for Futurity Trophy challenge
Roger Teal could have a smart operator on his hands after Dancing Gemini stormed to victory in the Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster.
The Lambourn-based trainer won this Listed event with Tip Two Win in 2017 and his latest scorer arrived on Town Moor on an upwards curve having won well at Newbury last month.
Always travelling smartly in the hands of Lewis Edmunds, the son of Camelot moved purposely to the front a furlong from home and galloped on powerfully to the line to make a real statement, registering a commanding four-and-a-quarter-length victor over Andrew Balding’s Gushing Gold.
Dancing Gemini after securing Listed honours at Doncaster (Nick Robson/PA)
Tip Two Win would go on to finish second to Saxon Warrior in the 2000 Guineas and it appears Teal is already dreaming of next year’s Classics with his impressive youngster.
Before that though, he could return to Doncaster for the Futurity Trophy next month and both Paddy Power and Betfair go 20-1 from 66s for that end-of-season Group One event.
Teal said: “That was really impressive. We’ve held him in high regard all year. He did a piece of work last week that was breathtaking and I knew we had him in good shape heading into today.
“I said to Lewis, ‘if we can back up that bit of work, you’ll be going past the lollipop in front’ and he did. It was a very nice performance.
“We won this with Tip Two Win and I think he could possibly be as good, he’s got a similar profile because he’s got speed, with a good turn of foot and a good cruising gear.
“He’s in the big one here at the end of the season, but we’ll play it by ear and see how he comes out of today. If all is well and the owner is happy, we might take a punt, if not we’ll wait for next year when we’ll go for a trial before the Guineas.
“Lewis is a very underused jockey – I shouldn’t say that because more people will start using him. Fair play to the owner because Rossa Ryan was supposed to ride him last time but got claimed by a bigger stable, but Lewis did a great job at Newbury and he has again today.
“He handles the soft, when I watched the first I thought it was a little softer than they thought as they were well strung out, so I said to Lewis, ‘don’t sit too far off the pace and give him every chance’.
“We really fancied him on his debut but he was slowly away before passing everything bar the winner but he’s come on bundles, he’s improving with every race. He’ll get a mile no problem.”
Edmunds added: “That was good, he was very impressive. It’s nice to sit on horses like that. I think he’s got no end of class and the sky’s the limit for him at the minute.
“That’s my biggest winner. I’ve won a sales race but that was something special, the way he’s done it.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/273732308-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2023-09-15 13:21:192023-09-15 13:21:19Dancing Gemini steams home in Flying Scotsman
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