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| Staff Writer |
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Alan King is excited about the upcoming Qatar Prix du Cadran and hopes Trueshan can secure a second victory in the race. Trueshan recently bounced back to form by winning the Doncaster Cup, giving King confidence in his chances for the upcoming event.
Initially, Trueshan struggled early in the season, failing to live up to his previous successes. However, a wind operation during the middle of the season seems to have significantly impacted his performance.
King said, “He did quite a lot wrong because he was so fresh. Surprised (by the win) I’m not so sure, but it was a certainly a relief more than anything.
“Obviously the wind op has helped big time. In his previous two races he hadn’t finished off at all so we were hoping it would make a difference, but you always want to see them go and do it on the track.
“We were delighted with him, I don’t know how strong the piece of form was but it certainly was a huge step to getting back towards his best.”
King has the choice to wait for the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot on 21st October, a race that Trueshan has triumphed in for the past three years. But before that, the trainer from Barbury Castle intends to send his 7YO horse back to Paris for a Group One competition, where he famously emerged victorious against Stradivarius in 2021.
He added, “I’m going to try to get him to the Cadran. I’m away this week, but the boys at home seem pretty happy with him. He’s had two or three days on the water treadmill, which he loves.
“He will be back cantering at the end of the week, we’ll be doing a bit of work early next week and if everyone is happy, he’ll head to France.
“We did do the Cadran and Ascot a couple of years ago when there was only a fortnight between them and there’s three weeks this time, which gives me a bit more of a chance.
“We’ll go one stage at a time, but if I’m happy with him he’ll head to Longchamp.”
King initially suggested that Trueshan could explore a career over hurdles after experiencing setbacks at Nottingham and Ascot earlier this year. However, these plans have been temporarily set aside for now.
He said, “I would hope that if he runs well at Longchamp or Ascot or both then he won’t be going jumping.”