Farhh’s connections hoping for soft ground in Qipco Sussex Stakes at Goodwood
Farhh’s camp is hoping for some rain ahead of next week’s Qipco Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, as the 4-year-old likes to have a cut in the ground. Even if the conditions suit him, it will certainly be an uphill task for Saeed Bin Suroor’s charge, especially with Frankel in the line-up.
Supplemented for the Group 1 event at a cost of £19,500, Pivotal’s son displayed a few fine efforts earlier this season. The bay colt remained unbeaten in the last two years, as he was triumphant on both occasions at Newmarket.
Owned by Godolphin, he resumed his journey with a classy act at Thirsk. Under Antioco Murgia, the dashing runner secured a comfortable win in the Totepool.com Thirsk Hunt Cup (Handicap) in May.
After an excellent class 2 success, the Darley-bred stepped up to the highest level, and ran quite decently in the Group 1, 150th Anniversary of Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. In the hands of Frankie Dettori, the 6-1 chance did well to finish among top-3.
Farhh’s unlucky spell continued, when he missed the gold medal only by half a length in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse (British Champions Series) at Sandown earlier this month.
On good to soft, the 11-4 favourite ran very well, but failed to maintain the standards inside the final furlong. Since he was unable to quicken in the last 100 yards, it looked impossible for him to stop Nathaniel from bagging the first prize.
The handler is pleased with Farhh’s progress, but admitted that some cut in the ground would be a huge plus for the 4-year-old. Saeed Bin Suroor said after the confirmation of eight horses in the Sussex showdown:
"Farhh has been doing well since he ran at Sandown and I have been happy with him. I think that a mile at Goodwood will suit him well but we would prefer to see some rain before Wednesday because he prefers to have a little cut in the ground".
"He has run very well in two Group 1 races but taking on Frankel will be a very tough task. I am hopeful that he can put in another good performance."
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