Fellowes has sights set on Royal Ascot magic from The Wizard Of Eye
But target at the showpiece meeting yet to be decided.
The Wizard Of Eye has Royal Ascot on his agenda after a taking Victoria Cup display. The chestnut was running for the first time since switching yards, leaving Stan Moore to join Charlie Fellowes’ stable and also undergoing a gelding procedure. Prior to that he had shown plenty of ability in previous runs, going close when third in the Group Three Prix Francois Boutin as a juvenile and finishing second in the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood in 2022. He is also a Listed winner after claiming the Hyde Stakes over a mile at Kempton during the same year, though prior to Saturday he had not won since. Under Tom Marquand at Ascot he was a 7-1 chance in the Victoria Cup, a 21-runner handicap worth over GBP 50,000 to the winner and run over seven furlongs. Towards the rear of the field for much of the race, the five-year-old began to weave his way through the pack in the latter stages and showed a neat turn of foot to take up the lead in the final strides and prevail by a head. “I was delighted, I think he won quite impressively considering they didn’t go overly quick early doors,” Fellowes said. “He was maybe not in the best position, although that was exactly where I wanted him, I just loved the way he put his head down and quickened. “It was everything I wanted to see, his work at home had been very good but you never quite know what they’re going to do until they hit the racetrack. “I’m sure it will do his confidence a bit of good, he didn’t win a race last year and he’s had some pretty tough assignments on the way.” The Wizard Of Eye has been tried over trips ranging from six to 10 furlongs and Fellowes is still pondering what will prove to be his optimum, though regardless of the distance his next outing is almost certainly going to come at Royal Ascot. “I think there are a few question marks regarding trip, the fact that they went steady clouded the issue a little bit,” the trainer said. “I’m not convinced it was a truly-run seven and the way he was able to quicken from the back was very eyecatching. “I said before the race that I’ll try him over six at some stage and my view hasn’t changed, I think he’s got the speed for six and he’s shown a lot of speed at home, I think a truly-run six would suit him, but when I try that is the big question. “He’s probably the sort of horse that is best kept a bit fresh, I think that suits him so I’ve no intention to run between now and Royal Ascot – he’ll go straight there. “From there on we’ll see, a race like the Prix Maurice de Gheest over six and a half (furlongs) may be a lovely spot for him at some point. “He’ll have to improve again for a race like that, but I think pretty highly of this horse and I think he’s got a lot of ability.”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.