Exciting big-race options are open to Elegant Man
Once-beaten colt had his form significantly bolstered at the weekend.
Elegant Man has the Lockinge and Coronation Cup as options after his Good Friday triumph was followed by a boost from the Middle East. The Amo Racing-owned four-year-old ran three times through the winter, winning twice at Dundalk and coming home second behind Rebel’s Romance in the Listed Wild Flower Stakes at Kempton. The impression he made in those runs left him carrying top-weight at Newcastle, where he ran in the BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance from a wide draw in stall 14. Neither factor was a hindrance to him in the 10-furlong contest, however, and under David Egan he was an impressive winner when crossing the line a length and a half ahead of Mick Appleby’s Penzance.“It was a big run, but we were expecting a big run and he didn’t fail to deliver – he’s a right nice horse,” said trainer Adrian Murray. A son of the late American superstar Arrogate, Elegant Man’s form was quickly boosted the following day when Rebel’s Romance struck at Group One level to take the Sheema Classic at the Dubai World Cup meeting, a two-length victory that reflects very well on Elegant Man after their meeting at Kempton. “It’s huge, a huge boost. The day when we met that horse we were very, very green, it was only the second time he’d ever seen a racecourse,” Murray added. Elegant Man is entered in the Alleged Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday but will not run, and is instead likely to be aimed at either the Coronation Cup or the Lockinge. “I entered him this morning for the Coronation Cup and he’s entered at Newbury over a mile, too,” said his trainer. “He’s entered in the Curragh on Saturday but he won’t go there, the race will come up a bit quick for him so we’ll freshen him up again.” Murray also trains Bucanero Fuerte for Amo Racing, a Wootton Bassett colt who won the Railway and the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh last year and was third in both the Coventry and the National Stakes. He holds an entry for the English and the Irish Guineas, but may head to Ascot for the Commonwealth Cup Trial in preparation for the Commonwealth Cup itself at the Royal meeting in June. “He’s getting on great, we’re very happy with him,” Murray said. “He’ll go for the Guineas or he’ll go for a race at Ascot, a prep race for Royal Ascot over six furlongs.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Century seeking to break New ground for Balding
Trainer hunting first Breeders’ Cup winner at Del Mar.
-
Kelleway to team up with Duffield at North Yorkshire base
‘We’ve both still got fire in our bellies and it looks the perfect fit’.
-
Thomas sets sights on Betfair bid with Celtic Dino
Trainer plotting headline handicap challenge with Wincanton winner.
-
Bowen reflects on delayed Cesarewitch victory
Manxman was confirmed the Newmarket winner after disqualification due to whip breach.
-
Murphy relishing Tamfana reunion at Ascot
After missing out on Sun Chariot win, jockey is sweet on the filly’s QEII chance.
-
Gerri Colombe set for return to Down Royal next month
Gordon Elliott’s star will defend his Ladbrokes Champion Chase crown.
-
Economics and Calandagan declared for Champion Stakes clash
Arc third Los Angeles will also line up in British Champions Day feature at Ascot.
-
Swift Delivery looking all too well ahead of Ontario Derby test
Woodbine contender is part-owned by NFL star Travis Kelce.
-
Ascot to use inner track on British Champions Day
Long Distance Cup, the Fillies & Mares Stakes and the Champion Stakes switched.
-
Horse Racing
2024 Kentucky Derby – the narratives leading up to the run for the roses
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is fast approaching....