Romanised set for Royal Ascot test

Horse Racing

Racing365
June 3, 2019 1:32 pm

Romanised will bid for a second Group One success in the Queen Anne Stakes, his trainer has confirmed.

Ken Condon believes his charge can improve on his encouraging seasonal reappearance in the Lockinge Stakes to win the opening race of Royal Ascot 2019.

The four-year-old kept on well to finish fourth to Mustashry at Newbury despite racing keenly, and Condon is hopeful Ascot’s straight mile track will bring out the best in his stable star.

‘Romanised came out of the Lockinge in good shape and will go for the Queen Anne next,’ he said.

‘Both myself and Billy (Lee) were happy with his run at Newbury.

He levelled out and just stayed going, but it was very pleasing.

‘We’re hoping the stiffer mile at Ascot might play to his strengths a little bit more.

‘ The son of Holy Roman Emperor has not won since his shock Irish 2,000 Guineas victory more than a year ago, and a step up in trip later on in the season may be considered by connections regardless of the result at Royal Ascot.

One horse who will not be making the trip to the Royal meeting is Success Days.

Condon’s stable stalwart, who finished third in the Huxley Stakes last time out, needs soft ground and conditions will determine where he is seen next.

Condon said: ‘Success Days will go wherever there is cut in the ground.

We were happy with him at Chester, he got the soft ground he needed.

‘We just have to keep an eye on the programme book, whether it’s here (Ireland) or the UK.

We’ll look for something like a group three.

‘ Condon also confirmed this will be Success Days’ last season before retirement.

The seven-year-old grey has been influential in putting his trainer on the map, winning three Group Three contests as well as the Group Two York Stakes.