Ascot test is ‘natural progression’ for Twaasol
Burrows’ unbeaten colt moving up in trip and class.
Owen Burrows is looking forward to seeing Twaasol put his unbeaten record on the line in the BetfredTV Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. Something of a surprise winner on his racecourse debut at Windsor in mid-June, the Adaay colt proved that victory was no fluke by following up in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom on Derby day – a race won by Pinatubo 12 months ago. Twaasol steps up in distance and class for this weekend’s seven-furlong Listed contest, and Burrows is keeping fingers crossed his youngster will prove up to the task. He said: “We’ve been very happy with him since Epsom, and this is the natural progression for him – running in Listed company. “It looks as if the step up to seven furlongs will suit him. It looks a good race – and we should learn a bit more about him, hopefully.”Twaasol is set to face nine rivals, with John Gosden’s maiden Saeiqa arguably setting the standard, having finished third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. Other contenders include Roger Varian’s Superlative Stakes fourth Saint Lawrence and once-raced maiden winners Chindit and Cobh – trained by Richard Hannon and Clive Cox respectively. A field of 20 runners have been declared for the fiercely competitive Moet & Chandon International Stakes, with Roger Charlton’s Blue Mist the likely favourite following his luckless run in the Wokingham at the Royal meeting. Jamie Osborne has claimed this prize twice in recent years, with Field Of Dream in 2012 and Raising Sand 12 months ago, and appears to have another leading contender in course-and-distance winner Cliffs Of Capri. “He’s been running pretty consistently this year and ran a good race at the Royal meeting last time (fourth in the Buckingham Palace Handicap),” said Osborne. “He’s always going to be vulnerable to less exposed animals – but as long as he gives his running, he’s one of the horses in the race with a proper chance. “He’s won twice at Ascot and appears to save some of his best performances for when he runs there, so fingers crossed.” Other hopefuls include the Charlie Fellowes-trained Silver Wokingham winner Chiefofchiefs, Mark Johnston’s pair of Vale Of Kent and Cardsharp and the hat-trick seeking Gin Palace from Eve Johnson Houghton’s yard. Four-time winner Habub is a big price for the Burrows team following a disappointing campaign thus far. “Unfortunately he’s very badly handicapped,” said the Lambourn-based trainer. “He ran well in a couple of good all-weather handicaps last year, and he’s paying the price for it. “He’s not going to come down the weights standing in the box, so we’ve got to run him. You can put a line through his last run at Royal Ascot, because the ground was too soft for him and he was drawn on the wrong side. “He is in good form, and we’re happy with him. But he needs some relief (in the ratings), I think.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.