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| Staff Writer |
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Owen Burrows remains optimistic about Anmaat's prospects following the 7YO's narrow defeat to Los Angeles in the Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh. The Aidan O'Brien-trained victor held a crucial fitness advantage over the returning Champion Stakes hero, who was making his seasonal debut.
Anmaat, owned by Shadwell, finished second by half a length, with Andrew Balding's Kalpana completing the podium. The performance pleased Burrows despite the defeat, acknowledging the impact of his charge's extended absence.
"I was really thrilled with him, it was just the lack of a run that told in that last 50 yards," said Burrows. "That was our concern heading into the race and he had been away for a racecourse gallop, but I haven't really galloped any of mine on the grass this spring and it's been a bit of a nightmare to be honest – but that's not making any excuses."
The Shadwell-owned gelding will now target the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, returning to the scene of his greatest triumph where he defeated Calandagan in the Champion Stakes last October.
Burrows believes the Berkshire venue suits his stable star and expects significant improvement from the Curragh outing. "I think he will take a nice step forward from that and as long as the ground is not rattling fast the plan would be to go to Royal Ascot for the Prince of Wales's Stakes," continued Burrows.
The trainer welcomes another encounter with Los Angeles, suggesting the shorter distance may favour Anmaat. "He likes it at Ascot, and you can even make a case that the extra half a furlong in the Tattersalls Gold Cup was just that touch too far for him, but that's the way it goes, and we'll look forward to a rematch with Los Angeles at Ascot."