Fellowes eager to take November test with Mr Curiosity

Keith Hamer
November 5, 2021 11:38 am

Newmarket trainer expects Doncaster finale to suit unexposed contender.

Trainer Charlie Fellowes is keen on the chances of the lightly-raced Mr Curiosity in the Virgin Bet November Handicap at Doncaster.

The four-year-old son of Frankel, owned by Anthony Oppenheimer, heads to Town Moor on the back of a cosy victory at Redcar three weeks ago.

The gelding has had six starts since making a belated debut in April, so is relatively unexposed as he takes on seasoned handicappers on Saturday.

“He’s a lovely horse. He won very nicely last time out – although that was a considerably weaker race than this,” said Fellowes.

“I think Doncaster will really suit him – a big, galloping track. He’ll love the soft ground. He stays all day, and I hope there is still plenty to come from him.

“He’s got a good draw (in stall six), and I think we go there with a lively chance.”

Rhythmic Intent was runner-up in this race 12 months ago, and was a winner over an extended mile and three-quarters at the South Yorkshire venue in September.

Rhythmic Intent was second in the Unibet November Handicap last year — Rhythmic Intent was second in the November Handicap last year (Mike Egerton/PA)

He did not perform to his best back over the course and distance last month, but trainer Stuart Williams believes it is best to ignore that effort.

“He ran a good race in this race last year. Obviously, he didn’t run well the other day, but I don’t think a small field suits him very much these days,” said the Newmarket trainer.

“I’m very happy with him – I’m happy with the draw (seven), and he should appreciate the ground. I’m hopeful of a good run.”

Sam Cooke was well-beaten when favourite for this race 12 months ago, but trainer Ralph Beckett felt a wide draw ruined his chances that day.

Trainer @RalphBeckett takes the day 3⃣ opener at the York Ebor Festival with SAM COOKE. Well done to London-based owners @ChelseaTbreds (@EMMA_SPENCER) 👏🙌pic.twitter.com/XJArWyv8d9
— GBRI (@GBRI_UK) August 20, 2021

The five-year-old has a more favourable stall (13) this time, and arrives at Doncaster in prime condition.

“His last two runs have been the best two of his life – he started favourite for this race last year, and the wide draw kiboshed his chances,” said Beckett.

“He saw too much daylight and was keen, but I’m hoping we can plenty of cover for him on Saturday and that he runs his race.”

Tim Easterby has had a tremendous season and has two good chances in Wells Farhh Go and Dark Jedi.

Wells Farhh Go is one of two runners for trainer Tim Easterby in the November Handicap (Simon Cooper/PA)

Wells Farhh Go is a dual Group-race winner, whose career has been interrupted by injury. His only previous attempt in a handicap was in the Ebor in 2019.

“Wells Farhh has only run in one handicap before. He’s off a good mark and he seems in good form. Hopefully he’ll run well,” said William Easterby, assistant to his father.

“The ground has been heavy the last twice he’s run. It hasn’t suited him, so we’ll have to see.

“Dark Jedi has been running well all year and was only beaten a neck by Aaaddeey over this course and distance last month.

“He’s been a great horse for us. He’s a grand horse and ran a good race at Doncaster the last time. He was just beaten by one. Hopefully he’ll have a good chance – he should go well.”