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| Staff Writer |
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Caius Chorister, who claimed victory in a Group Six handicap at Yarmouth nearly two years ago, is now gearing up for a shot at the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in the upcoming Chasemore Farm Henry II Stakes at Sandown on Thursday.
Caius Chorister improved her rating to 109, narrowly finishing behind Coltrane in the Sagaro Stakes. Priced at 12-1 for the Gold Cup and 20-1 with William Hill. Trainer David Menuisier is considering entering her in a prestigious Group Three race at Sandown.
"She's in the Henry II Stakes on Thursday and also a Group 2 in France at the weekend, but I think she's more likely to go to Sandown," said the trainer. "She came out of the Sagaro as bright as a button and ready to go again.
"It's exciting to be at the top table of the stayers, especially considering she's done it the hard way from Class 6 level. I take my hat off to her every morning and I'm glad to be part of her world."
Trueshan and Trawlerman, top stayers, might compete against Caius Chorister at Sandown. However, the connections made a bold decision at the beginning of the season to challenge the best in the long-distance division, with the Gold Cup as their primary goal.
"We've had long discussions through the winter on what her ideal trip might be," said Menuisier. "She won a Group 3 over a mile and six furlongs last season so I said we either start her back over shorter before going back up in trip for races like the Lillie Langtry at the end of the year, or we are brave and tackle the two-mile plus races with Ascot in mind, and we opted for the second option.
"Genuinely, in the Sagaro I did not know what to expect but she clearly showed she does stay two miles, which was a very happy outcome. Let's hope she can show even more this time."
Rossa Ryan is set to ride alongside Caius Chorister for the first time at Sandown. Menuisier cautioned that her new rider could be in for a surprise in the parade ring if he hasn't seen her before.
"She looks like two planks put together and she's really not a beauty but she doesn't know what defeat means," the trainer added. "She's not made of the same stuff and, to be honest, I don't know where this [improvement] has come from. She keeps on surprising us and, over the last three years, she hasn't been able to beat a donkey on the gallops – it's extraordinary."
Ahead of the Royal Ascot, here's a glimpse of five potential contenders entered in races on Saturday.
Rogue Lightning: Despite a setback with Courage Mon Ami, Wathan Racing is eyeing Royal Ascot representation with their recent acquisition, Rogue Lightning. The son of Kodiac, purchased for US$12,72,470.00, secured a hat-trick last season and remains in training for his 4YO campaign. He's set to compete in the Gr.2 Temple Stakes at Haydock as a precursor to the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Regal Jubilee: John and Thady Gosden's Regal Jubilee, closely related to Group Three winner Regal Reality, is slated to run in Goodwood's Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes. Having shown promise in her previous races, dropping back to Listed level could be advantageous for her, as she steps up to 1m2f for the first time. Her performance will help determine her Royal Ascot race choice between the Ribblesdale Stakes and Coronation Stakes.
Vandeek: Simon and Ed Crisford's Vandeek, an undefeated juvenile sprinter, is anticipated to make a comeback in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock. His main target for the season is the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, where he is currently the favorite.
Moss Tucker: Moss Tucker, coming off a career-best victory at Naas, is aiming for the Gr.2 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh. While considering entries for Gr.1 sprints at Royal Ascot, his trainer emphasized a preference for cut ground.
Space Legend: William Haggas has high hopes for Space Legend, who is stepping up into Listed company at Goodwood's Cocked Hat Stakes. With an eye on the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, Space Legend's performance on Saturday will provide insights into his potential.
Henry Longfellow, a Dubawi colt, is leaning towards waiting for Royal Ascot despite being among the 11 contenders for the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.
Last season, he had a flawless juvenile campaign, winning all three starts at the Curragh, including a Group One victory in the National Stakes. Although he was defeated in the French 2000 Guineas recently, trainer Aidan O’Brien sees the St James’s Palace Stakes as a potential redemption target.
Despite this, Henry Longfellow is listed for this weekend’s Irish Classic, giving him the option of a second shot at Classic glory just 13 days after his disappointing race in France.
“He’s possible, but more likely probably for the St James’s Palace,” O’Brien said/ “Obviously the forecast is for plenty of rain over here and we’re just going to see what’s going to happen. It’s more than likely he’ll go for the St James’s Palace, but nothing is written in stone yet.”
If Henry Longfellow doesn't participate, O’Brien's top contenders are likely to be River Tiber and Unquestionable, both of whom are expected to make their seasonal debuts. River Tiber has been absent from the track since coming in third behind Vandeek in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, while Unquestionable's last appearance was winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita.
The Ballydoyle trainer confirmed that Mountain Bear, who was the runner-up to Unquestionable in California, might also compete. Igor Stravinsky and The Liffey complete his six-strong entry, with Richard Hannon’s duo of Rosallion and Haatem, second and third in the Guineas at Newmarket, being the main competition.