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| Sumita Pawar |
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Spycatcher, who narrowly missed out on victory in Sunday's Prix Maurice de Gheest, will now be aiming for the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock.
After an impressive performance in a Group Three race at the same track four weeks ago, the 5YO returned to Deauville for the Group One feature. It seemed like Spycatcher would deliver trainer Karl Burke his first top-level success in almost four years as he pulled away from the rest of the field.
However, King Gold managed to catch up and crossed the line just a short head ahead of Spycatcher.
Burke said, “It was a bit frustrating as it was literally a nod of the heads, wasn’t it? Sometimes they go for you and sometimes they go against you, it’s just a shame it went against us in a Group One.
“I think he was probably the best horse in the race. Take nothing away from the winner, who stays really well, whereas we have that turn of foot and got away from them by that two or three lengths and probably thought we had the race in the bag at the furlong pole.
“The winner just cut us down and then we battled back again, credit to Spycatcher, but it was heads up heads down and it went against us.”
From Rain to Ascot Victory: Spigot Lodge's Dream
The handler of Spigot Lodge is currently hoping for similar challenging weather conditions to occur in Merseyside on September 9. This is to increase the chances of their horse performing better compared to previous races, with the ultimate goal being potential participation in the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot in October.
“Fingers crossed he stays in one piece and Haydock will be the plan, presuming the ground is right, and also Champions Day at Ascot, which nine times out of 10 does come up in our favour,” he added.
“We’re in the lap of the gods really as if either of those races are run on fast ground he won’t be there, but hopefully we’ll find some nice sprint races for him here or in France or wherever.”
Cold Case, who was in fourth place at Deauville, trailed his stablemate by two and a half lengths. According to Burke, Cold Case is now requiring a stamina test.
“He ran well, Cliff (Lee, jockey) just felt he was a little bit behind the bridle for whatever reason and he didn’t show his usual dash,” said the trainer.
“A step up in trip is definitely in the offing for him. He’ll go up to seven furlongs and we’ll probably try him at a mile before the season’s out.
“He’s a high-class horse but is probably not at that level just yet. Something like the Park Stakes at Doncaster next month could be a good one for him.”