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| Staff Writer |
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Shadow Army may join Wathnan Racing's contingent at the Qatar Goodwood Festival following an impressive showing in the Prix Robert Papin.
The Showcasing colt, a striking debut winner at York, saw his form boosted when the runner-up, Francisco's Piece, subsequently won.
This performance caught the eye of the Emir of Qatar's racing operation, who acquired him before Royal Ascot. However, his run in the Windsor Castle Stakes there fell short of expectations.
Stepping up to six furlongs in the Gr.2 contest at Chantilly, the Richard Fahey-trained 2YO bounced back strongly. He finished less than a length behind Karl Burke's Arabie, who is now targeting the Prix Morny.
Despite a slow start and traffic issues two furlongs out, Shadow Army's performance was encouraging. The winner had the run of the race, while Shadow Army overcame several obstacles. His connections are optimistic about his future prospects based on this showing.
“It was a tremendous run and we were delighted with that,” said Wathnan’s European racing adviser Richard Brown.
“He was wiped out at the start at Ascot and it was a bit of a non-event. It was good to see he is up to that level because we only bought him after he won a maiden.
“It was a great run and he seems to have come out of the race well. He’s still quite green and I’m sure he is only going to improve for racing.”
Shadow Army is entered in York's Gimcrack Stakes next month. However, he may first compete at Goodwood. There, he could represent his owners in one of two races: the Markel Richmond Stakes or, if attempting a longer distance, the seven-furlong Vintage Stakes.
Brown continued: “I think he’s definitely in our minds for Goodwood and we will just see how he comes out of it. If he was to go there he would have two options, the Richmond or the Vintage because he looks like he could go the extra furlong.
“We haven’t really had those conversations yet as we just want to see how he comes out of the Papin. He’s a definite possible for Goodwood – Qatar sponsor Goodwood so it’s a very important week in the calendar and we’ll be trying to go there with a strong team.”