Chapple-Hyam hoping Ambassadorial can shine on Breeders’ Cup stage

Dirt Mile date at Santa Anita for British runner

Jane Chapple-Hyam believes Ambassadorial is capable of taking his form to new heights and making his presence felt in the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita.

The gelded son of Elusive Quality will bid to give the Newmarket handler the biggest victory of her career by springing a surprise in the $1million prize on Saturday.

Although the five-year-old, who finished third in last month’s Korea Cup in Seoul, is the outsider of the 10-runner field, Chapple-Hyam believes he is not there to simply make up the numbers.

She said: “Obviously we are taking on a wonder horse in Omaha Beach, but racing is a funny game and we are not going to be scared of one horse. We are here to give it a go.

“He was 72-1 when he came third in Korea and although I’m not saying he is going to win, there is no reason if he puts his A game together why he can’t get some prize money.

“We have got to face the fact that we are taking on a hot favourite, but we are happy to give it a go and it would be great if he could finish third or fourth.”

Chapple-Hyam is confident Ambassadorial, who arrived in America on Saturday, will have no problems handling the surface after reporting her globe-trotting star to have settled into his new surroundings.

She said: “He seems to enjoy his travelling and he ate and drank the whole way, which is a good indication of how he took the trip. He looks very well and I’m pleased with him.

“We’ve watched a couple of races out there and seen them come back in with dirt plastered all over them, so the kickback clearly sticks.

“Watching the races, I’d say the dirt rides slightly slower than what we call standard. He is by Elusive Quality so he should handle it.

“We know he is going to sit last, but hopefully it will suit his style as they will go hard and he likes to rattle home.”

Despite Ambassadorial finishing last of three in a conditions contest at Chelmsford on his most recent start, Chapple-Hyam expects that outing to have put him spot on for his first attempt in Grade One company.

She added: “We either stayed at home and galloped on the Al Bahathri or go to Chelmsford and give him a good blow out. We opted for Chelmsford and that put him spot on.

“You need a bit of luck in running and we are taking on Grade One horses and we are really only a Listed horse, but now and again you have got to go out there and try to enjoy these big flash meetings.”

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