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Adam West hinted that he was considering taking a trip to either America or France with his horse Live In The Dream. However, he received a warm welcome in more familiar surroundings at Epsom Downs on Monday after Satono Japan (12-1) returned to winning ways.
Having just celebrated his first Group One victory at York, the Epsom-based trainer won again on home turf thanks to the success of the Deep Impact gelding in the Churchill Retirement Living Handicap.
Although thrilled to see the 6YO horse finally perform well in the mile and a quarter contest, it's his plans for Live In The Dream that have really excited West. With limited options available in the UK, the speedster will most likely compete in either the Prix de l’Abbaye at Paris Longchamp on October 1st or the Grade Two Woodford Stakes Presented By Fan Duel on 7th October.
West said, “We will only run in France if we have an Indian summer, and the ground isn’t horrendous. Everyone is warning us about how the ground can get bad.
“The horse is versatile, and he will handle the soft ground, and to be honest it is such a perfect time to bring a horse into a race fitness wise, but it will just be trying to balance that with his head and make sure that he goes there confident.
“I did spot a little race over in Keeneland which is five and a half furlongs, which would probably be an option as well if we can manage to get some stuff organised pretty soon.
“Ultimately I wouldn’t rule out the Abbaye, but it will be ground dependant.”
Trainer's Assistant Revives Racehorse's Career
Speaking about Satono Japan, who had not scored since his successful debut under his previous trainer at Kempton Park in 2019, West had nothing but admiration for his assistant trainer and co-owner Tom Cusden. According to West, Cusden has invested a lot of effort and resources into bringing Satono Japan back to top form, and he has been working on this project tirelessly ever since he took on the challenge.
“He's a quirky character but I think we do well with horses who need some extra attention. We sent him hurdling to make him think about racing a little bit and it worked wonders.
“He's now stuck his nose in front because he doesn't want to go back to Worcester. He's one of the most talented horses I've seen but it's just one of the things we've got to eke out of him is to make him want to do it.
“It's all about confidence and he's dropped down in grade. He's been able to get a bit of confidence.”