There is always something exciting about sending one of ours across the pond, and we are particularly looking forward to seeing Dover Street take his chance in the Pilgrim Stakes at Belmont on October 3rd for Amo Racing.
Dover Street, a son of our very talented Persian Force (pictured here), has been a lovely horse to have around the yard and is one who has really begun to find his feet. He finished fifth on his first start, followed that up with a very good second of 14, and then went down by just a little more than a length when second of eight last time. He has improved with every run, and we feel there is plenty more to come from him.
That progression is what makes this American adventure so exciting. He has done nothing wrong at home and has earned the opportunity to take on a new challenge, and it will be fantastic to watch him step onto the international stage.
It is special to see a son of Persian Force heading to America. Persian Force was a horse who gave us some wonderful days during his racing career, taking us to The Breeders Cup in 2022 where he finished a very credible 4th in the G1 Juvenile Turf Sprint. To now have one of his youngsters progressing through the yard and heading off his own is something we are very proud of.
Travelling a young horse such a long way is never taken lightly, but Dover Street has been a pleasure to deal with and we are very happy with the way he has prepared. He will certainly need to step forward again in the Pilgrim, but that is exactly what we want to see from him at this stage of his career.
A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to get a horse ready for an international trip, and a big thank you goes to everyone at home who has played their part, as well as Amo Racing for giving us the opportunity to take Dover Street on such an exciting journey. Our efforts paid off last month with Haatem's trip across the pond to Kentucky, fingers crossed we are lucky again on Saturday!