Treasure hunting Classic trial glory for the King and Queen
Lingfield run could set once-raced filly up for Epsom.
Treasure could emerge as another genuine Classic contender for the King and Queen if she can provide trainer Ralph Beckett with a fourth win in the William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes at Lingfield. The King and Queen enjoyed a memorable season last year, with Desert Hero striking Royal Ascot gold before finishing third in his bid to become the first horse since Dunfermline in 1977 to carry the royal colours to Classic success in the St Leger at Doncaster. Treasure, bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II, looked an exciting prospect when scoring on her racecourse debut at Nottingham in the autumn and returns in a race her trainer has previously landed with Kayah (2007), Secret Gesture (2013) and Honour Bound (2014). Secret Gesture went on to finish second to stablemate Talent in the Oaks itself and a trip to Epsom will surely loom large for this daughter of Mastercraftsman if she can prove her worth in Surrey this weekend.John Warren, racing adviser to the King and Queen, said: “Ralph is very happy with Treasure who has the size and scope to be a decent filly. “We are on a fact-finding mission – and as she has been prepped specifically for this race we will learn where we stand after this to plan her future.” Beckett, who won the Cheshire Oaks with Forest Fairy earlier in the week, has a second string to his bow in the form of You Got To Me, who has been off the track since finishing fifth in a Listed race at Newmarket in November. The likely favourite is the John and Thady Gosden-trained Danielle, who created a huge impression when storming a a 12-length success at Wetherby less than a fortnight ago. However, Gosden senior admits the prospect of drying conditions at Lingfield is a concern. “The plan is to go to Lingfield with Danielle at the moment and let’s hope that goes well,” he said. “She won well last time, but obviously I hope the ground stays good. If it dries up then I would be concerned about running her on quick ground.” Aidan O’Brien relies on the twice-raced maiden Rubies Are Red, with Molten Rock (Karl Burke), Cherry Burton (Sean Woods) and Bigtime Bridget (Michael Bell) the other hopefuls.
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
O’Brien planning American adventure for Al Riffa
Group One winner to run at Saratoga with trainer harbouring Arc dreams.
-
Big-money buy Rogue Millennium to make Curragh return
Mare in line for Lanwades Stud Stakes debut for Joseph O’Brien.
-
Vandeek team anticipating tough test on Haydock return
‘We could be taking on some very capable horses who have had a run’.
-
Sunday evening plans on hold following initial pilot
Trial fixtures failed to hit turnover targets and met with negative feedback.
-
Passenger primed for Prince of Wales’s challenge
Lightly-race Stoute colt will be in action at Royal Ascot.
-
Hannon duo ready to chase Classic compensation at the Curragh
Newmarket placed runners gunning for Irish 2,000 Guineas gold.
-
American National on the radar again for Hewick
Shark Hanlon’s pride and joy ran another big race in France at the weekend.
-
Cowardofthecounty being sent to Coventry by O’Brien
Smart-looking colt impressed in Curragh debut win.