Groupie
With the season coming to a close in just over a months’ time, tomorrow is the start of the Dubai Future Champions Festival at Newmarket and Richard heads there with four runners on the first day. GROUPIE leads the charge in the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes under Pat Dobbs for Chris and Jenny Powell. ‘She is a very tough filly who is obviously stepping up markedly in class but I am hoping that she can sneak a place in what is a very competitive affair for its kind. She won well at Salisbury two starts back and looks like the step up to seven furlongs shouldn’t be a problem.’
In the Old Rowley Mile Heritage Handicap Richard has two runners, STEEL OF MADRID and DANEHILL KODIAC. ‘For some reason he didn’t seem to get home in Turkey, Steel Of Madrid, but if he is ridden to get the trip he should have no problem. He has been in good order and I have kept him ticking over since his trip abroad and I hope down in class he can be competitive here having run some solid races at Royal Ascot and at Deauville. Danehill Kodiac is in the form of his life and has kept on improving on his last few starts. He ran very well at Ascot last time but I expect this track to really suit him and he should not be far away.’
The final runner is HEAVENLY ANGEL having her third run in maiden company for Pineapple Stud and Amanda Turner. The same ownership group own WARRIORS SPIRIT who won impressively at Newbury a few weeks back. ‘She is a nice filly who has run well on her first two starts. She will appreciate the step up to seven furlongs but there are plenty of unknowns in this race.’