GAVIN CROMWELL: Reflections on Quick Suzy’s run in France and thoughts on this weekend’s runners at Goodwood and Navan from our brand ambassador.
Looking back
It was brilliant to get a treble at our local track, Bellewstown, on Wednesday. It’s always nice to get winners, but to do it there was fantastic.
Looking back on a couple of others and we were thrilled with Sunset Shiraz’s run in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes. It was a big ask to run her in that sort of race given she’s still a maiden but she showed her ability and it’s unsurprising she’s now rated 104. It showed she does need a bit of ease in the ground, though, and we’ll look to the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend next. She probably won’t get her ground, but we’ll see what it’s like and make a call.
The ground went against Quick Suzy in the Prix Morny. It rained quite heavily in the couple of hours before the start and it just became a bit too testing for her over that trip. We’re still looking to the Cheveley Park at Newmarket where she’ll hopefully get the fast ground she needs before a tilt at the Breeders’ Cup.
Goodwood Saturday
We’re under no illusions she’s up against it, but we’re still hopeful that White Pepper can pick up some black type in the Group 3 March Stakes (3.00pm). There are only five runners and she’s clearly got plenty to find, but she’s an improving filly, who won well at Tramore last time.
We’ve booked Frankie Dettori to ride her and if there’s anyone who can get a good tune out of a horse it’s him!
Navan Saturday
Li Mu Bai has been progressive for us this season, winning at Fairyhouse and then just being touched off at the Galway Festival. He runs in the mile handicap (3.42pm) and is in good form. He takes on older horses here and that represents a challenge, but he’s a horse we’re hopeful there is a bit more to come from.
Kalanoura has been a bit unlucky not to have broken her maiden tag yet. She’s run well on several occasions but just hasn’t managed to get her head in front yet. She goes in the 1m6f handicap (4.50pm) and both this trip and the track at Navan should play to her strengths. We are a little worried about the draw, though.
