Bonfire heading for the Stobart Barristers Dee Stakes as the seasonal debut at Chester
Bonfire, Manduro’s three-year-old bay colt out of mare, Night Frolic, will roll into the new season by being a part of the line-up for the Stobart Barristers Dee Stakes at Chester. The trainer wants to keep the Derby inspiration ignited and is thus awaiting
the victory of his three-year-old under charge.
After winning the Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newnarket, Camelot became the heavy favourite for the Investec Derby at Epsom in June. Till yet the second favourite for the grandeur has turned out to be Bonfire himself.
On 28th September, Bonfire won the British Stallion Studs E B F Molson Coors Maiden Stakes (Division II) at Salisbury over a mile. He was the 7/2 favourite and led the runner up, Cubanita, by two lengths.
Settling third behind the winner was Juvenal.
His till yet landmark achievement was the third place in the Group 1 Criterium International on 30th October at Saint-Cloud over a mile.
"It was pleasing to see French Fifteen run so well in the Guineas, but there's no such thing as a weak Group One and to be third in one of those and be a little bit unlucky means he's probably the form pick. But a couple have already had a run which I think
will be a bonus on this ground.”
As the trainer admits himself that there is nothing as an easy or effortless Group 1 then he should bear in mind the competition that his under charge will be put through. One of the most threatening entries for the race is A. P. O’Brien trained Astrology
who finished a decent third in the Futurity Stakes and then in the Autumn Stakes too.
The bay colt has displayed potential and capability before so some more sincere effort and hard work will make him slide through this challenge decently too. If his chances for the Derby stay intact after this race or not, will not take long to unfold.
Trainer Andrew Balding said: "I'm very happy with him. He showed he handles soft ground in France but he will have to handle it on his first run of the year, which is not ideal. He'll be entitled to come on for it but at the same time we think a fair bit
of him so he should be very competitive.”
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