Dewhurst date in Etonian sights

Graham Clark
September 6, 2020 11:30 am

Sandown hero could tackle Newmarket Group One.

Etonian could bid to enhance his Classic credentials by putting his unbeaten record on the line in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket next month.

Connections have earmarked the seven-furlong Group One prize on October 10 as the next port of call for the Richard Hannon-trained colt, who is as short as 14-1 for next year’s 2000 Guineas.

After making a winning debut over seven furlongs at Sandown, the son of Olympic Glory followed up over and course and distance with an equally impressive victory in the Group Three Solario Stakes.

Full replay & reaction: Etonian enters the picture for the 2000 Guineas with fluent success in the Betway Solario Stakes at Sandown. Watch what @rhannonracing had to say 👇
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 23, 2020

Owner Julie Wood said: “The thought at the moment is to go for the Dewhurst. It is lovely to have a horse capable of performing at this level again as it has been a while.

“He keeps it all for his races, but he is a real trier. We thought he was nice straight away, but until they get to the track you never know, and he has now done it twice now.

“Obviously we would like to finish off this season as good as we can, but the dream is the 2000 Guineas next year. He is a lovely horse to look forward to.”

Although Etonian had plenty to spare following his latest success, Wood believes the performance could be upgraded given a mid-race scare.

She added: “Sometimes when they slip, that is the end of the race for them, but to his credit he got himself going again.

“I think based on that it was a very good performance to win.

“With the Covid-19 pandemic going on though, it is just nice to be racing again.”

Fancy Man could be a horse for next year's Derby according to trainer Richard Hannon (David Davies/PA Images) — Fancy Man could be a horse for next year’s Derby according to trainer Richard Hannon (David Davies/PA)

Hannon hopes he could have another Classic contender in his hands in Fancy Man, if he can build on his impressive victory in the Listed Ascendant Stakes at Haydock on Saturday.

He said: “The ground dried out a little up there which helped him. Ryan (Moore) was very impressed with him.

“He will have no problem getting a mile and a quarter, but dare I say it, he could be the type for the Derby.

“He and the winner pulled a long way clear at Salisbury last time out and he has finished well again today.”

While Hannon will consider giving Fancy Man entries at Group race level before the end of the season, he has not ruled out the possibility of drawing stumps for the campaign with the Pride Of Dubai colt.

He added: “We might give him one more run, but I would be just as happy to put him away.

“He will have entries in races like the Royal Lodge, but we might wait until next year and start him back off in a Derby trial.

“He is a big, strong horse and I don’t think he needs much more this year.”