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| Staff Writer |
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The Wizard Of Eye is set to compete at Royal Ascot after an impressive performance in the Victoria Cup. The chestnut recently joined Charlie Fellowes' stable and underwent a gelding procedure. Prior to this, he had shown promise in previous races, finishing third in the Gr.3 Prix Francois Boutin and second in the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes. He also won the Hyde Stakes at Kempton in 2022.
With Tom Marquand riding, he secured victory in the 7-1 chance in the Victoria Cup, a 21-runner handicap worth over £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 tested over distances ranging from six to 10 furlongs, and Fellowes is currently considering what will be his best distance. However, regardless of the distance, his next race is likely to be 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.”