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| Staff Writer |
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Migration is set to attempt his second major handicap win of the season as he takes on the challenging Balmoral at Ascot on Champions Day. Despite carrying top weight, Migration will be determined to emerge victorious.
David Menuisier trained the 7YO, who emerged victorious in the Lincoln at Doncaster during the season's opening weekend. The horse is now looking to end his campaign on a high note. Although he failed to participate in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown in his only subsequent run, Menuisier is optimistic that the horse's return to testing ground and participation in a big field will help him regain his form.
“We gave him a break in the summer to try to run him in this race. We know he loves the big fields and it looks like he will have his ground, so we are looking forward to it,” said Menuisier.
“We know he can carry big weights and the hustle and bustle of the big handicaps suit him, so we’ve aimed at it.
“Look, off his weight I’m not saying he’s going to go and win, but I know he’ll give his best and we’ll see where he ends up. I’m not a statistician but I assume winning handicaps off 113 has not been done very often. Hopefully class rises to the top.”
Menuisier could have a significant weekend ahead as he prepares to send Sunway, who finished second in the Champagne Stakes, to France for a Group One race. The exact choice between the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, a 10-furlong race, or the Criterium International, a one-mile race, has not been finalized yet.
He said, “The plan is for Sunway to run I’m just not sure which race yet. I’ve left him in both races to have a look but sadly it looks as if all the other trainers did the same!
“It’s pretty much the same horses in both races. I think our preference is to run him over a mile but I have little doubt he would stay 10 furlongs.
“I’ll have a chat with the owner but at this stage we’re favouring the mile. His Doncaster run was good and the form, with Rosallion winning the Lagardere and Mountain Bear winning a black type race in Ireland, has worked out.”