Ed Dunlop thinking about St Leger for Snow Fairy
Ed Dunlop certainly did not take the soft option with Snow Fairy at York but may do so if he pitches her in for the final Classic of the season.
Snow Fairy, the winner of both the Oaks and the Irish equivalent, lost little caste in defeat when she was beaten by three lengths by Midday in the Yorkshire Oaks yesterday, even if it did mark the end of her unbeaten run this season, which had stretched to three races.
Now Dunlop is considering his options for an autumn campaign. There would be limited opportunities if Dunlop wants to avoid taking on older horses, with two of the options at Doncaster next month. The trainer could elect to run in the Group Two Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster, regarded as the Fillies’ St Leger, but would have to carry a penalty for her Group One victories and Dunlop is considering a crack at the St Leger itself which was last won by a filly in 1992 when User Friendly won for Clive Brittain.
Speaking on his website Dunlop said: “We came there with half a chance but then Midday quickened for a second time, which is always the hallmark of an exceptional filly. There was certainly no disgrace in being beaten by a filly of Midday’s quality – she has won four Group Ones, including a Breeders’ Cup, so all credit to her.
“We knew that it would be tough taking on the older fillies for the first time, but Snow Fairy has beaten the other three-year-olds in the race and I have certainly not ruled out the possibility of running in the St Leger. It’s a race which I have always been keen on, and I would like to keep Snow Fairy to races for her own age while still possible.
“However, we will see how she comes out of the York race before making firm plans. The St Leger is three weeks away and Doncaster might well come up softer than did the Knavesmire, but the final classic is still on the table for the time being and we will monitor the well-being of the filly and the Yorkshire weather over the next fortnight or so.”
The defeat for Snow Fairy was a rarer reverse in recent fortunes for Dunlop, who has a 21% strike-rate this month, after a quiet spell during June and July.
Native Khan was one of only two winners for Dunlop in Britain last month, when he won his maiden at Newmarket’s July meeting, and he now steps up in class for the Group Three Alexis Catchpole Celebration Solario Stakes at Sandown Park.
The Azamour colt was withdrawn from a listed race at Newbury last Saturday because of the rain-affected ground but conditions look more favourable this time and Eddie Ahern takes the ride. ”Native Khan is something of a talking horse, and now he has to go and prove himself on the track. He made an impressive winning debut in his maiden,” Dunlop said.
The form of Native Khan’s victory at Newmarket was boosted when the fourth, El Muqbil, finished second in a valuable maiden at York’s Ebor meeting but Dunlop is still aware that the Solario represents a significant step up in class.
“Obviously, this is a step up the ladder for Native Khan. He is such a great mover that the fast ground at Sandown will suit him so much better than conditions he would have encountered at Newbury, and the stiff uphill finish will also be a plus as he is a colt who will soon be wanting a mile. It looks a tough race, but we will find out just where we stand with him.”
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