Born To Sea hunting for Royal Ascot glory
After making a couple of terrible outings earlier this season, Born To Sea is aiming to get his act together and present a fine show in the St James's Palace Stakes, taking place at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, June 19th.
The 3-year-old made his debut at Curragh last year, when he clinched a convincing win in the Irish Field Blenheim Stakes. After starting his career on a winning note, John M Oxx’s charge continued his good work, when sent at Leopardstown in October 2011.
However, luck was not on his side that day, as he missed the gold medal by one and a half lengths in the Group 3 JRA Killavullan Stakes. After making two impressive outings, he went on a long vacation and stayed out of action till May 2012.
On his return, Born To Sea finished 12th in the Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes (British Champions Series) at Newmarket. After such a terrible outing, he did not lose his confidence and improved his work to a great extent, ending up fifth in
the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at Curragh.
Christopher Tsui’s colt has only one victory to his credit, but the connections still have plenty of hopes on him. Jockey Johnny Murtagh looked satisfied with Born To Sea’s improvement after an embarrassing show at Newmarket, hoping that the runner can do
the trick at Ascot.
"Born To Sea ran a bit keen at Newmarket but he settled better the last day and I think he can step up again. He's a horse I've always liked. We view him as a Group One horse and I think Ascot could be the ideal track for him,” Murtagh told At The Races.
He added: "He finished off really well (at the Curragh), but if he had run keen there we might never have got him back. Pat (Smullen) had to drop him in and he was very happy with him, he finished off really well so he is relaxing more now.”
The 1-mile event has attracted 16 speedy runners, who will compete for a handsome cash prize worth £167,295. The event is scheduled to begin at 15:45 (GMT).
Tags: