York beckons for Docklands before Aussie adventure
Harry Eustace able to think big after massive Ascot run.
Docklands has the Cox Plate in his sights after the brave decision by trainer Harry Eustace was rewarded in the Queen Anne. The four-year-old was a Royal Ascot winner last season, landing the Britannia Stakes on a memorable day for his young handler. Ascot seems to suit Docklands, who has never been unplaced there and was second in the Paradise Stakes on his first start of the season when beaten only a neck. He then headed to Longchamp to finish second in Listed company, after which connections took the plunge and stepped him up to Group One level to contest the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot instead of his Listed alternative in the Wolferton.Under Hayley Turner he ran a fine race, beating all bar impressive winner Charyn. “I was delighted, we had him in the Wolferton as well but we took the chance, with his straight course form, in a Group One,” Eustace said of the run. “For him to look as competitive as he did was incredibly exciting and though he’s been a lot of fun up until now he’s clearly going to be a lot more fun still.” Docklands is Australia-bound and has Victoria-based owners in OTI Racing, with his Ascot run inspiring a more ambitious target in the Southern Hemisphere as the Cox Plate is now the likely aim. “Australia is the plan, but his target has probably changed since that run, we were going to target a race called the Five Diamonds, but I would say our priority is the Cox Plate,” Eustace said.
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Noble Dynasty continues on upward curve at Newmarket
Lennox Stakes at Goodwood could be next for Godolphin winner.
-
Irish raider Alphonse Le Grande storms to Vase victory
Tony Martin’s sister Cathy O’Leary saddled the winner.
-
Bluestocking pounces on Emily Upjohn for Pretty Polly glory
Ralph Beckett-trained filly gains much-deserved Group One victory.
-
Jan Brueghel boosts Leger prospects with International win
Aidan O’Brien declared: ‘He’s very exciting going forward.’
-
Northumberland Plate joy for Ellison with Onesmoothoperator
Newcastle-born trainer celebrated his 72nd birthday yesterday.
-
Montassib runs down Kinross to snatch Chipchase spoils
Cieren Fallon conjures up late charge from William Haggas-trained sprinter.
-
Truly Enchanting bounces back for brave Airlie triumph
Aidan O’Brien: ‘She was just a bit green and babyish in the Queen Mary.’
-
Hazdann shows true worth with gutsy Curragh strike
Weld: ‘He’s from the Harzand family so there is a nice bit of toughness there.’
-
Havlin ready to seize Irish Derby chance with Ambiente Friendly
Epsom second hunting Curragh crown on Sunday.
-
O’Brien: City Of Troy has come forward from Epsom
Derby winner is all set for Eclipse next week at Sandown.