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| Sumita Pawar |
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Marbaan's strong performance at the Qatar Goodwood Festival has put international assignments on his radar. As a juvenile, he won the Vintage Stakes over the same track and distance.
In his latest race, the Lennox Stakes, the 3YO finished behind only top-class performers Kinross and Isaac Shelby when trying seven furlongs for the first time this season.
Now, Marbaan will be targeted for either Newbury's Hungerford Stakes or the City of York Stakes during York's Ebor meeting. Depending on his performance, this could potentially lead to overseas opportunities. Both America and Australia are considered options for the talented son of Oasis Dream.
“He’s taken his race at Goodwood really well and it was great to get him back on track, even though the ground was a little bit softer than ideal,” said Fellowes.
“He’s got options of the Hungerford or the City of York and after that things are slightly up in the air.
“We may consider going a bit further afield and look at something in America or possibly the Golden Eagle in Sydney. I guess that will depend how the next run goes but I think he’s definitely better on better ground, so that is why that has come into our thinking.
“A race like the Prix de la Foret would have been ideal but the likelihood of it being on good ground is extremely rare, so you kind of have to start thinking a bit imaginatively and there’s incredible prize-money to be won in Australia and also options on quicker ground in America.”
Marbaan's International Aspirations Soar
Fellowes, despite being set to compete in a seven furlong race next, would not hesitate to drop back to six furlongs in the future. He wants to clarify that his disappointing performance in the Commonwealth Cup is the only time he has struggled at that distance.
He continued, “I actually think he has the speed for six furlongs and he proved that at Salisbury where he split a Group One winner (Khaadem) and a Group One second (Run To Freedom). The form of that race could not have worked out any better.
“I just think the race at Ascot was a line-through job, he’s just not the sort of horse you can be aggressive on. He had to make most of his running in a small group of three that day and that is not the way to ride him. He’s much better with a bit of cover, sitting in behind one or two and I think he would be just as fine over six.”
On the other hand, Marbaan performs best on quick ground, while his stablemate Vadream thrives in testing conditions. Vadream had successful runs in the Cammidge Trophy and Palace House Stakes earlier this season but has been inactive recently.
Vadream, who is owned by Coventry City chairman Doug King, has been sidelined due to injury during favorable underfoot conditions.
Although Vadream has been active since February, Fellowes is grateful for the unexpected opportunity to give her a break in the middle of the season. This break will allow her to prepare for important races later in the campaign.