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| Sumita Pawar |
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After a disappointing run at Royal Ascot, Charlie Fellowes is confident that Marbaan will deliver an impressive performance in his attempt to win consecutive races at the Qatar Goodwood Festival next week.
Last summer, the Oasis Dream colt performed exceptionally well in the Gr.2 Vintage Stakes on the Sussex Downs. However, he did not perform as well in the following Group Ones before the end of his juvenile year.
From Fourth To Redemption: A 3YO's Journey
In his 3YO campaign, he had a promising start by finishing fourth in the Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot and second to Run To Freedom at Salisbury, who later became the runner-up in the July Cup. Unfortunately, he only managed to beat one competitor in the Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting last month.
Nevertheless, Fellowes strongly believes that the 3YO has more potential than he demonstrated in Berkshire. As a result, he is aiming for redemption in the Group Two Lennox Stakes on Tuesday.
“I was disappointed with Ascot because I don’t think we saw the real Marbaan. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong,” said the Newmarket handler.
“Ascot is a horrible place to try to make the running and I don’t think Marbaan is the sort of horse you want to make the running with — all of his best performances have come when he’s been ridden with a little bit of cover.
“He was my one real frustration after Ascot, all my other horses ran well, and I’m just convinced it was because of the way the race panned out.
“The plan is to go back to Goodwood for the Lennox. I’m convinced he’s got the speed for six furlongs, but we’re going to go back up to seven and he has won over course and distance.
“He worked on Tuesday morning, he’s in great order and I know there’s a big performance in him this year.”