Tag Archive for: Vandeek

Vandeek retired to stand at Cheveley Park in 2025

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Cheveley Park Stud has announced it has purchased a share in Vandeek, who has been retired from racing.

He will stand at Cheveley Park in 2025 in a partnership with current owners KHK Racing.

Unbeaten at two in a season which saw him win the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes, this year has been interrupted by injury.

He has made it to the track twice and finished third both times, in the Sandy Lane at Haydock and in the July Cup. However, another setback forced him out of the Prix Maurice de Gheest.

A soft tissue injury was diagnosed, but connections have run out of time to get him back to the track this season and the decision has been made to send him to stud.

Simon Crisford, who trained Vandeek jointly with his son Ed, said: “Vandeek was a brilliant two-year-old for Sheikh Khalid and his amazing turn of foot set him apart from the others. He had a wonderful temperament and he was such a great pleasure to train.

“His Juddmonte Middle Park victory was sensational and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better winner of that race. He was pure class and it is such a great shame he didn’t have the opportunity to fulfil his potential this year.”

His jockey James Doyle said: “I got a huge thrill from riding Vandeek in the Juddmonte Middle Park and he was an exceptional racehorse blessed with a blistering turn of pace.”

Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud, added in a statement: “Patricia Thompson is delighted to have been able to secure Vandeek, in partnership with Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to stand at Cheveley Park Stud in Newmarket, making this very exciting son of Havana Grey available to British and international breeders and thus further enhancing the long-established history of Cheveley Park Stud standing world-class stallions.”



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Vandeek to miss Prix Maurice de Gheest

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Vandeek has been ruled out of the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville next weekend after suffering a setback in training.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s colt enjoyed an unblemished juvenile campaign last season, winning each of his four starts including back-to-back Group One wins in the Prix Morny at Deauville and the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

However, his three-year-old campaign has so far not gone according to plan, as after being beaten by Inisherin in a soft-ground Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock on his reappearance, he was forced to sit out a planned rematch in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot following unsatisfactory blood tests.

A subsequent third-place finish in Newmarket’s July Cup offered hope plenty for the rest of the campaign, but he is now set for another spell on the sidelines.

In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Ed Crisford said: “Unfortunately Vandeek has met with a setback and it is too early to say how much time he will need before resuming full training.

“It is very frustrating for everyone concerned as he had looked as good as ever in his recent work.”



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Ed Crisford plans Deauville return for star sprinter Vandeek

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A return to Deauville for the Prix Maurice de Gheest is next on the agenda for Vandeek, with Ed Crisford reporting his star sprinter to be “extremely well” in the aftermath of the July Cup.

The Havana Grey colt rounded off an unbeaten juvenile campaign with back-to-back Group One wins in Deauville’s Prix Morny and the Middle Park at Newmarket, but his three-year-old campaign has so far not gone according to plan.

After being beaten into third place by Inisherin on his return in a soft ground Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock, Vandeek was ruled out of a rematch in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot due to below-par blood test results and therefore headed straight to the July Cup to take on his elders.

And while he again had to make do with the bronze medal on the July Course two weeks ago, connections took the positives out of the performance and are excited to see what the second half of the season has in store.

“He’s come out of the July Cup extremely well, we’re really pleased with him. It’s all systems go at the moment for the Prix Maurice de Gheest,” said Ed Crisford, who trains Vandeek in partnership with his father Simon.

“He wasn’t really right that first day on that heavy ground at Haydock, the July Cup was his first proper test and he ran with huge credit, but he’s only going to improve mentally and fitness-wise.”

Trainer Ed Crisford is looking forward to running Vandeek at Deauville
Trainer Ed Crisford is looking forward to running Vandeek at Deauville (John Walton/PA)

He added: “He just needed to get out and get racing really and get going for the second half of the season.

“Haydock didn’t really go to plan, then he missed Ascot and then he had to have a bit of time after those bad bloods, and then we had to bring him back.

“You’re going into a championship race in the July Cup and you’ve got to be 120 per cent. He was great going to the July Cup, but the more racing any athlete gets they’re going to improve from it.

“We’re going to kick on to France and see where we go from there. I expect it’ll be a very good field again, but he’s won at Deauville before and six-and-a-half (furlongs) shouldn’t be an issue for him.”



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Vandeek camp buoyed by performance of ‘great credit’

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Simon Crisford is confident there is still “lots to play for” with Vandeek this season after his star speedster confirmed the fire still burns bright with a third-place finish in the July Cup at Newmarket.

The Havana Grey colt looked every inch a top-class sprinter in the making following an unbeaten juvenile year which included back-to-back Group One wins in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes, but his three-year-old campaign has so far been stop-start.

He suffered his first defeat at the hands of Inisherin in the Sandy Lane at Haydock on his May reappearance, and while the same horse blitzed his rivals in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, Vandeek was stuck on the sidelines after unsatisfactory blood results scuppered his participation.

The Crisfords’ pride and joy was therefore on something of a retrieval mission on the July Course, and while he had to again make do with minor honours despite turning the tables on Inisherin, who could finish only fifth, connections are taking the positives out of his performance.

Simon Crisford, who trains Vandeek in partnership with his son Ed, said: “That was almost his first run of the season and it’s just caught him out really.

“Missing Ascot was a huge problem for us because he’s had to run in a championship race without a warm-up, so I think he’s acquitted himself with great credit.

“He’ll get busy now. He’s definitely trained on, which was the question. I think it was a big effort, it’s been a struggle to get him here, as when they have an abnormal blood count, you have to give them enough time to get back into top training for this race.

“He missed a bit of time and it hasn’t been straightforward. I’m sure this will bring him forward.”

Simon Crisford was pleased with the performance of Vandeek in defeat
Simon Crisford was pleased with the performance of Vandeek in defeat (Simon Cooper/PA)

Considering future options, Crisford added: “We’ll talk about the Prix Maurice de Gheest and the seven-furlong race at York possibly (City of York Stakes), if we decide to go down that route, but I’m not sure about that.

“There’s the Sprint Cup at Haydock and Champions Day (Qipco British Champions Sprint) as well, so there’s lots to play for.

“We know he’s trained on and we think he’s going to move forward for that run today.”

Splitting the winner Mill Stream and Vandeek in second was the Karl Burke-trained Swingalong, who stuck to her guns admirably under a positive ride from Clifford Lee and was only beaten by a neck.

Burke views the Sprint Cup at Haydock in September as the ideal target for a filly who has now finished in the first four in Group One races on six occasions.

Swingalong (navy blue) chases home Mill Stream at Newmarket
Swingalong (navy blue) chases home Mill Stream at Newmarket (Nigel French/PA)

“Two things may have made the difference – if it hadn’t have rained, which obviously suited the winner, and if Art Power hadn’t taken us on, but they are things out of our control,” said the Spigot Lodge handler.

“I couldn’t be happier without winning. She so deserves a Group One. I think we’ll go to Haydock next and just pray it isn’t heavy ground there.

“She won’t go to France (for the Prix Maurice de Gheest), she’s not entered for a start and she had a hard race today and at Ascot, so she deserves a break, especially as that’s six-and-a-half, she’s always vulnerable in that last furlong. Haydock will be brilliant.”



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Vandeek camp ‘couldn’t be happier’ ahead of July Cup bid

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Ed Crisford is confident Vandeek is back firing on all cylinders as he looks to reignite his season in the My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket.

The Havana Grey colt looked set to take high rank in the sprinting division following an unbeaten juvenile year which featured Group One wins in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes, but his three-year-old campaign has so far been stop-start.

Vandeek suffered an odds-on defeat at the hands of Inisherin on his reappearance in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock in late May, and had to watch on the sidelines as the same horse blitzed his rivals in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last month.

With Inisherin again in opposition on Saturday, Crisford is well aware his stable star faces a far from straightforward task in his bid to get back on the winning trail, but the Newmarket handler is hoping a positive showing on the July Course will set him up for a profitable second half of 2024.

Crisford, who trains Vandeek in partnership with his father Simon, said: “It was unfortunate we couldn’t run at Ascot because of the abnormal bloods, but he’s been in great form since and has bounced back to health.

“I’m looking forward to running him, to be honest. It’s been a testing first half of the year, but he’s just got to get racing now.

“He’s had that run at Haydock on that bad ground, this is his second run and we couldn’t be happier with him going into Saturday.

“Inisherin looked very good at Ascot and our fellow has got to come out and get racing, so we’ll see how we get on.”

Tom Eaves celebrates winning the Commonwealth Cup at Inisherin
Tom Eaves celebrates winning the Commonwealth Cup on Inisherin (David Davies/PA)

Inisherin’s jockey Tom Eaves hailed the Kevin Ryan-trained colt “the best I’ve sat on” ahead of his bid for back-to-back Group One wins.

Eaves has won top-level sprints on the likes of Glass Slippers, who was successful at the Breeders’ Cup, Brando and Tangerine Trees, but is in no doubt Inisherin possesses more class than those three.

“Inisherin is a very good horse. He’s the best I’ve sat on, so I’m looking forward to Saturday. He’s got a very good mind and a lot of pure ability,” said the rider.

“I was placed twice (in the July Cup) on Brando at biggish prices, so you’d hope that Inisherin would have an even better chance as favourite, but it’s a very strong Group One.

“Kevin is a very good trainer of all types of horses, not only sprinters. Look what he did with The Grey Gatsby for example. He treats them all individually and he leaves no stone unturned, but it’s fair to say his record with sprinters is exceptional.”

The two other three-year-olds in the field are Clive Cox’s Commonwealth Cup third Jasour and Aidan O’Brien’s River Tiber, who was a little disappointing when eighth in the Jersey at the royal meeting.

Jasour won the July Stakes over the course and distance 12 months ago and Cox feels as long as conditions do not deteriorate, another bold bid is on the cards.

“I’m very pleased with him and I was very happy to walk the track (on Thursday) and see even with the rain we’ve had the track looks in great nick. If we get no more rain, I will be very happy,” said the Lambourn-based trainer.

“It’s a strong race and the three-year-olds normally have a good opportunity in this race to take on their elders. I’m looking forward to it and just hope we don’t get too much rain – there is no doubt he is a better horse on quicker ground.”

River Tiber was third in the Irish Guineas
River Tiber was third in the Irish Guineas (Damien Eagers/PA)

River Tiber finished a creditable third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas prior to his underwhelming performance at Royal Ascot and rider Ryan Moore is looking forward to seeing how he fares back over six furlongs.

“Given the promise of his reappearance run in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, you have to say he was well below par in the Jersey Stakes last time but he is a horse who has always shown a lot of pace, and hopefully this test will suit him,” Moore told Betfair.

“A Coventry winner, he went on to be placed in the Morny and Middle Park, and he has to have a fair chance in here if bringing his Classic form to the table.

“He certainly has the Group One class to go close.”

One of the older horses in the line-up with a Group One win to his name is Ed Bethell’s Regional, having struck gold in last year’s Sprint Cup at Haydock.

A bargain basement buy out of Richard Fahey’s stable for just 3,500 guineas, the six-year-old showed his versatility back over five furlongs at Ascot when second to Asfoora in the King Charles III Stakes.

Bethell said: “Regional has been absolutely brilliant for us. Having a horse like him for the big days is what we all do it for. He’s a legend to have around.

“He ran a blinder at Ascot, and coming back to six furlongs at Newmarket will suit him down to the ground.”

Other contenders include dual Group One winner and last year’s July Cup third Kinross, who blew away a few cobwebs when second in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle a fortnight ago.

The Charlie Hills-trained Khaadem, who bids for a third top-level triumph having successfully defended his crown in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes last month, has been fifth and fourth in past renewals of this contest.



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Vandeek back ‘in good health’ ahead of July Cup bid

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Vandeek remains “very much” on course for the My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket after being forced to miss Royal Ascot.

The son of Havana Grey, unbeaten during a superb juvenile campaign, did not take his place in the Commonwealth Cup due to an abnormal blood count.

He won his maiden at Nottingham last July before stepping up to Group Two level to claim victory in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood and then completed a hat-trick in the Prix Morny in France.

Vandeek rounded out his season with further Group One glory in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Trained by the father and son duo of Simon and Ed Crisford, he was beaten on his three-year-old debut at Haydock but connections were expecting an improved display at the Royal meeting, only for a minor setback to ruin those plans.

However, Chris Wall, racing manager to owners KHK Racing, is happy with his work heading into the July Cup.

Reflecting on missing the Royal meeting, Wall said: “The Crisfords weren’t happy with how he was and his blood wasn’t right, so he didn’t go there.

“He’s been training nicely. He looks to be in good health, he looks very fresh and well and full of himself.

“The plan very much is to run him in the July Cup next week.”



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Disappointment for Crisfords with Vandeek out of Commonwealth Cup

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Vandeek, one of last season’s unbeaten stars, will miss Friday’s Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot due to an abnormal blood count.

Trained by the father and son duo of Simon and Ed Crisford, the son of Havana Grey excelled as a juvenile.

A maiden win at Nottingham saw him step straight into Group Two company for the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, which he won to set up a trip to France for the Prix Morny.

Victory over the top-class filly Ramatuelle there was followed by further Group One glory in the Middle Park Stakes.

Beaten on his seasonal return at Haydock, connections were nevertheless expecting a better showing this week.

A statement released by the Crisfords on X read: “Unfortunately Vandeek will not be able to run in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot this Friday due to an abnormal blood count.

“He had been working very well in his preparation and this is very frustrating for everyone concerned, but the most important thing for him now is to return to full health.

“All being well he will be fit and healthy in time for the July Cup in three weeks.”

Vandeek was the second big name to drop out of the Commonwealth Cup on Monday with Bucanero Fuerte also ruled out due to travel sickness.



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Summer Mile could be a target for Queen Anne absentee Quddwah

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An alternative target will be sought for Quddwah after the unbeaten colt was forced to sidestep next week’s Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

A winner at Salisbury and Newmarket last season, the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained son of Kingman belatedly completed his hat-trick on his return from almost a year on the sidelines in last month’s Paradise Stakes over the Queen Anne course and distance.

Connections had been preparing Quddwah for the traditional royal meeting curtain-raiser since that victory in early May, but he was not among the confirmations on Wednesday, and Ed Crisford revealed the reason behind his defection.

“He had a bad blood (test result) and a bad scope, so unfortunately we’re going to have to miss the Queen Anne,” said the Newmarket handler on Wednesday.

“It was all systems go until yesterday, which was a bit of a shame, but these things happen with horses and we’ll have to aim him somewhere else, maybe the Summer Mile (at Ascot in July) or something.

“I wouldn’t have thought it will hold him up for too long, probably by next week he’ll be grand, but we’ve run out of time to be running in a Group One.”

The Gainsborough Stables team is still set to be represented in the Queen Anne, with Poker Face confirmed as an intended runner.

The five-year-old will be an outsider after finishing down the field in the Lockinge last month, but Crisford feel he is capable of better than he showed at Newbury.

Poker Face will line up in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot
Poker Face will line up in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot (Mike Egerton/PA)

He added: “He’s in good order and hopefully he can bounce back. It was a little bit of an odd race the Lockinge, just the way it worked out, it wasn’t just us the race didn’t suit, so I think you’ve got to slightly put a line through it and see how he goes next time.

“If he can bounce back to form, he should be in the mix.”

Perhaps the yard’s biggest hope of the meeting is Vandeek, who will look to bounce back from a first career defeat in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock when he lines up as a leading contender for the Commonwealth Cup on Friday week.

Unbeaten in four starts as a juvenile including Group One wins in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes, the son of Havana Grey had to make do with minor honours in third on Merseyside behind the impressive Inisherin, who is once again set to be in opposition.

Crisford is expecting a fitter version of his stable star to turn up in Berkshire and while his Haydock reverse came in testing conditions, the trainer insists he will not be worried if the rain falls.

“Vandeek is super well, we’re very pleased with him and at the moment it’s all systems go,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to getting him to Ascot and he’s sure to improve from that first run.

“I’m not too concerned about the ground, he won on soft ground at Goodwood last year and heavy ground in France. He goes on the ground, but at Haydock was he was running against fit horses first time out and I think that’s what caught him out, it wasn’t necessarily the ground.

“They went a strong pace and he was taking on fit horses and that’s what it was, but we’ve got to move on from that now and we’re all looking forward to Ascot.”

Another horse set to be part of the Crisfords’ Royal Ascot squad is Cocked Hat Stakes winner Meydaan, although a decision has yet to made on whether he will contest the King Edward VII Stakes or step up in trip for the Queen’s Vase.



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‘All systems go’ for Vandeek in the Commonwealth Cup

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Vandeek remains very much on course for the Commonwealth Cup after losing his flawless record on seasonal debut in the Sandy Lane at Haydock.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s Havana Grey colt was unstoppable as a juvenile, winning all four starts including two Group One titles in the Prix Morny and the Middle Park.

Making his three-year-old bow at Haydock, he was sent off the 8-11 favourite for the Sandy Lane, carrying both a penalty and the weighty reputation of his prior successes.

Under James Doyle he took on six rivals, and on soft ground he came home third as the race went to Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin – who had been sixth in the 2000 Guineas – with John and Thady Gosden’s Orne the runner-up.

Though his was quite a scalp to take for the latter two horses, Vandeek is faring well following the run and is on track to line up at Royal Ascot.

“He’s come out of the race very well, Simon and Ed Crisford have been pleased with his work since and it’s all systems go for the Commonwealth Cup,” said Chris Wall, racing manager to owners KHK Racing.

“It was very soft ground at Haydock and though he has encountered that before, he was against race-fit rivals on his first run of the season and his legs just couldn’t act on it.

“That was the purpose of the run and he’s in good form afterwards, we’re excited to run him at Royal Ascot.”

KHK Racing also own Sakheer, a Roger Varian-trained colt who impressed as a juvenile when winning the Mill Reef at Newbury.

Things have not gone entirely smoothly since, however, and in two runs last year he was well beaten in both the 2000 Guineas and the Commonwealth Cup with a large absence after the latter run.

He returned from that 337-day break to contest the Listed Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury late last month, finishing last of the six contenders.

The four-year-old has since been scoped and the cause of that disappointing run found, and he will now undergo treatment before connections go back to the drawing board.

“He actually scoped very dirty after that run, he had been working well beforehand so it was disappointing at the time,” said Wall.

“Now we have a perfectly good explanation, he will undergo treatment and then when we have him back healthy and hearty we will find something for him – how long that takes, I’m not sure.

“We will move on to plan Z! Realistically we are on about plan G with this horse, but at least we have a reason for his run last time out.”



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Inisherin takes Sandy Lane as Vandeek vanquished

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Vandeek lost his unbeaten record as Inisherin ran out an impressive winner of the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock.

Sent off the 8-11 favourite, Vandeek won each of his four juvenile starts, including Group One glory in both the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes.

However, he was clearly toiling approaching the closing stages of the six-furlong heat with Inisherin, who finished unplaced in the 2000 Guineas last time, well in control for Tom Eaves.

After racing prominently, the 9-2 shot had plenty in reserve to run out a three-and-three-quarter-length victor over 40-1 shot Orne, with Vandeek the third-placed horse.

Inisherin does not hold an entry in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, although he can be supplemented for the race at a cost of £46,000, with Coral making him the 4-1 favourite for that contest.

Eaves said: “I was always in my comfort zone. He’s a very good horse and obviously that makes my life easy.

“He’s run really well in the Guineas, that was a solid run, and you always think dropping back to sprinting will he be quick enough, but Kevin was always very confident he was.

“He’s only had four starts so we’re only just getting to know him and he’s only finding his feet. He’s got plenty of speed and there will be plenty of options.

“It’s great to be involved with these good horses, I’m very thankful.”

Amy Ryan, daughter of trainer Kevin, said: “He’s got a great mind on him and that opens up so many more options.

Amy Ryan, daughter of trainer Kevin Ryan, was full of praise for Inisherin
Amy Ryan, daughter of trainer Kevin Ryan, was full of praise for Inisherin (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He’d have to be supplemented for the Commonwealth Cup, but I haven’t spoken to anyone yet so I don’t know what the plan is. We just need to get him home and make sure he’s OK and see how he comes out of the race.

“We’ve always thought loads of him but he’s just so laid back. We could have started him off over seven earlier in the year and he ran a blinder in the Guineas, but he’s just got so much natural speed and having gone and done that today, he’s got options.

“It’s nice to have another good sprinter coming through because we’ve obviously had the likes of Brando, Glass Sippers and Hello Youmzain and you miss them when they retire.

“Physically I thought he stood out today and he’s got such a fantastic attitude.”

Ed Crisford, who trains Vandeek jointly with his father, Simon, expects plenty of improvement.

“It looked like he was a bit fresh early on. He travelled super in the race but he just got tired in the last furlong in the ground,” he said.

“All these horses had already run, the winner had run well in the Guineas so was super-fit but on that ground, James (Doyle) just felt the last furlong was a long way home.

“But, we’ve got him out now, we’ll keep going with the plan, see how he is and as long as he’s OK, we’ll head for Ascot.

“It was a shame he’s been beaten obviously, but these things happen and we’ll keep on pointing towards Ascot and I’m sure he’ll come on a hell of a lot for the race today.

“It’s testing, sticky ground and even if you’ve gone on it before, it was his first run of the year and James didn’t want to give him a very hard race.”



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Vandeek the star attraction in Sandy Lane comeback test

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Ed Crisford has admitted the forecast testing conditions at Haydock will not be ideal for Vandeek’s eagerly-anticipated return to action in Saturday’s Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Sandy Lane Stakes.

The Havana Grey colt carried all before him in the juvenile sprinting division last season, winning each of his four starts, including Group One victories in the Prix Morny and the Middle Park Stakes.

His top-level triumph in France and his preceding Group Two success in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood were both achieved on soft ground, but with a tilt at the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in four weeks’ time looming large, connections would prefer to be running on a quicker surface on his comeback.

Crisford, who trains Vandeek in partnership with his father Simon, said: “Vandeek has done well over the winter and his preparation has gone great. Obviously, starting him on this sort of ground isn’t that ideal, but he needs to run.

“We know he’s won on soft ground before, so it’s not too concerning, it’s just that it’s his first run of the year and they’re always entitled to improve, but bar that he’s in great order.

“This has been the long-term plan and the only thing you can’t control is the weather, so it is what it is. We know he goes on the ground, so it’s just a matter of getting him out now and giving him his first run of the year.

“All athletes will improve for that match practice and he’s entitled to improve for sure, but we’ve done as much as we can at home to get him ready for his first run.

“Hopefully he’s got a long year ahead of him, so we’ll see how he gets on on Saturday and off we go for the season.”

Inisherin (right) finishing second at Newmarket
Inisherin (right) finishing second at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

The horse rated the biggest threat to Vandeek by bookmakers is the Kevin Ryan-trained Inisherin, who drops to six furlongs after finishing sixth over a mile in the 2000 Guineas three weeks ago.

Adam Ryan, assistant to his father, said: “I thought he ran a huge race in the Guineas, travelled well throughout and showed quite a lot of speed, so we thought we’d drop him back in trip for this.

“He’s in great order, we couldn’t be happier with him. Vandeek was a superstar last year and he’s obviously the one to beat, but we’re very happy with our fella and we’ll find out a lot more about him on Saturday.

“You never know whether they’ll handle soft ground until you try it, but if he does have a bit more stamina on his side, and obviously he’s won over a mile, it could be a positive.”

Other contenders include Andrew Balding’s Commonwealth Cup Trial third Purosangue, David O’Meara’s Greenham Stakes winner Esquire, Richard Fahey’s unbeaten dual winner Airman and the Stuart Williams-trained Pandora’s Gift, who switches to turf after winning her last four races on the all-weather.

“She’s been very straightforward and just progressed every race, and I think she’s come on again since her last race and I’m very happy with the condition of her,” said Williams.

“She’s fast and then she settles and then she can kick on again. We’ll find out if she doesn’t like soft ground if it’s soft, but I would imagine we’d run whatever happens.”

John and Thady Gosden’s Orne and Alaskan Gold from Karl Burke’s yard complete the line-up.



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Pandora’s Gift primed for tough turf debut against Vandeek at Haydock

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Stuart Williams’ all-weather star Pandora’s Gift will transition to turf for the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock on Saturday.

The three-year-old has only been beaten once in five starts, finishing second on her racecourse debut at Chelmsford and then beginning a four-race winning streak.

Striking on return to Chelmsford and then at both Southwell and Lingfield, the daughter of Churchill subsequently headed back to Essex earlier this month to step up in grade when contesting the Listed Chelmer Fillies’ Stakes over her usual six furlongs.

She readily stepped up to the mark again, prevailing by two and a half lengths to gain black type and pave her way to loftier targets throughout the season.

The first of those is likely to be the Sandy Lane, a Group Two sprint that will be the filly’s first encounter with a straight track and a grass surface.

Pre-race discussions and the betting market are both likely to be dominated by Simon and Ed Crisford’s Vandeek, undefeated and twice a Group One winner at two when landing the Prix Morny and the Middle Park.

The grey will carry a penalty as a result, though, and Pandora’s Gift will benefit from that, along with her fillies’ allowance, but Willliams is under no illusions as to how stiff a task she has been set on her turf debut.

“I’m very happy with her and she’s worked really nicely on the grass,” the trainer said.

“Obviously, it’s a big jump up from what she’s been doing on the all-weather, it’s her first run on the grass and also her first run in a straight line – she’s always run round a bend before – so there are a lot of unknowns for us.

“But there weren’t many options to go for this month, so we thought we’d roll the dice at Haydock.

“I doubt we’ll be beating Vandeek if he turns up, but I’ll be delighted if she can run into a place.”



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Vandeek team anticipating tough test on Haydock return

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Vandeek will have to “pull his finger out” to maintain his unbeaten record on his eagerly-awaited reappearance at Haydock this weekend.

A dual Group One winner at two for Simon and Ed Crisford, he is one of 11 entries for the Group Two Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Sandy Lane Stakes, with some smart rivals potentially lying in wait.

“He’s wintered well, he’s had a good preparation up to now, so we hope the rest of the week goes well. We’re very much looking forward to getting him back on the track,” said Chris Wall, racing manager to owners KHK Racing.

“He’s done well physically over the winter, so we hope that brings about a bit of improvement as well. He’s in good heart so it’s all systems go.

“Last year he won Group Ones on heavy ground and fast ground, so it wouldn’t really matter what it was but I think he’d prefer some nice ground. There is a bit of rain around later in the week but not heavy so it should just be nice for all.

“Obviously he’s making his seasonal debut and we could be taking on some very capable horses who have had a run, like Jasour and Inisherin, but he’s in good heart.

“I know Simon and Ed have left a bit to work on, but he’s plenty fit enough for his debut.

“He’ll have to pull his finger out here taking on Jasour and Inisherin, capable horses in their own right, with a 3lb penalty to carry as well. You want him to have a race to bring him forward but you don’t want him to have too hard a race that puts him back.”

Jasour impressed at Ascot on his reappearance
Jasour impressed at Ascot on his reappearance (Adam Davy/PA)

Clive Cox’s Jasour, a Group Two winner last term, returned to action with a victory at Ascot while Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin led the 2000 Guineas field for much of the way before fading into sixth.

Richard Fahey’s Airman is another fascinating contender having won both his starts to date, with David O’Meara’s Greenham winner Esquire, smart all-weather performer Pandora’s Gift and Orne also in the field.

Last year’s Nunthorpe winner Live In The Dream is one of 13 in the Betfred Temple Stakes.

Not seen since a creditable fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, he will be aiming to go two places better than last year.

Sprint Cup winner Regional, Rogue Lightning and Beautiful Diamond are others engaged.



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Vandeek on course for Haydock return

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The team behind Vandeek are happy to put their eggs in the sprinting basket for the time being, as their star speedster prepares for his seasonal return in Haydock’s Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Sandy Lane Stakes at the end of the month.

The unbeaten son of Havana Grey dazzled last season claiming the Middle Park in his final outing at two and connections have resisted the temptation to step the colt up to a mile this term having showcased blistering speed throughout his juvenile campaign.

With sprinting well and truly at the forefront of both Simon and Ed Crisford’s minds, Royal Ascot’s Commonwealth Cup is Vandeek’s primary summer target, with his run in the north west on May 25 seen as the ideal spot to tighten the screw ahead of a return to Group One action at the royal meeting in June.

“He’s coming along nicely now, so we’re hoping we’ll be all systems go at the end of May,” said Ed Crisford.

“I’m really happy with him and he has done extremely well. He’s a bigger, stronger horse this year and has really filled his frame.

“He just showed us so much speed and the whole pedigree says he was a sprinter. Last year he was learning still and he didn’t quite know what was going on. It took until the Middle Park to see that real electric turn of foot. Plus he ran on bad ground all the time.

“When we saw him in the Middle Park he showed us that raw speed and we’ll definitely stick to sprinting for now. The Commonwealth Cup is the main target and Haydock will be the prep run and on from there.”

Poker Face is on course for the Lockinge
Poker Face is on course for the Lockinge (Mike Egerton/PA)

Vandeek’s stablemate Poker Face is also on course for top-level action, with Newbury’s Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes pencilled in for his next start having found just Charyn too good in the bet365 Mile at Sandown recently.

“He’s heading to the Lockinge now,” continued Crisford.

“He carried a penalty at Sandown and it was his first run back, so we were very pleased with his run and he’ll now head to Newbury.”



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Vandeek set for Haydock reappearance in Sandy Lane

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Unbeaten sprinter Vandeek has the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock as his first target as he prepares for his eagerly-awaited three-year-old campaign.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s Havana Grey colt had the perfect juvenile season, running four times and winning well on each occasion as he climbed the ranks from maiden to Group One.

At Goodwood, he took the Richmond Stakes on soft ground and he was then a game winner of the top-level Prix Morny at Deauville on very soft going.

But at Newmarket in late September, he showed his versatility when producing his best run to date to land the Middle Park on good to firm.

Currently ante-post favourite for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, the Betfred-sponsored Sandy Lane has been earmarked for his opening assignment of the campaign, a six-furlong Group Two for three-year-olds on May 25.

“He’s going well, he’s wintered well, but like everywhere else, I think Newmarket has struggled with the weather,” said Chris Wall, racing manager for owner Shaikh Khalid’s KHK Racing organisation.

Vandeek winning the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood
Vandeek winning the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood (Andrew Matthews/PA)

“They’re on target with the horse but they haven’t always been able to do what they’ve wanted to do because various canters have been closed.

“He’s in good heart and coming along nicely, he’s aiming at the Sandy Lane at Haydock in May.”

Vandeek was a leggy two-year-old and he is reported to have grown further and filled out through the winter.

Wall added: “He’s done everything right, he’s grown a bit. He was a big enough lad last year but he has grown a bit more, he’s filled out and he looks a lot stronger.

“He’s done everything the right way, he hasn’t done any fast work, so it’s too early to see if there’s a corresponding increase in his ability but we’d like to think that he’ll at least be no worse than he was last year – and that’s probably good enough.”

True Cyan winning on debut at Newmarket
True Cyan winning on debut at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

KHK Racing and trainer Roger Varian have a nice prospect in True Cyan, a No Nay Never filly out of the Group-winning Dark Angel mare Realtra.

Making her debut at Newmarket in September in a seven-furlong fillies’ maiden, the grey was a taking victor with a length-and-a-half triumph over three subsequent winners.

The three-year-old holds an entry for the 1000 Guineas and connections are likely to use the Nell Gwyn Stakes as a trial before hopefully proceeding in that direction.

“She’s wintered very well, I watched her do a piece of work yesterday (Wednesday) which was very satisfactory,” said Wall.

“Roger is keen to run her in the Nell Gwynn, all being well, which will tell us whether we’re Guineas-bound or whether we need to go down another route with her.

“It’s all good news with her, she looks to have improved throughout the winter, so she’ll find her level – whether that’s in the Guineas or somewhere else.

“The form from that race (her debut) looks decent, she did it very well. She’s going to be a nice filly this year if all goes well for her, at what level we will find out.”



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