Harbour Watch has a "50-50" chance to compete in the St. James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot
Harbour Watch may compete in the St. James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, but it seems that his connections want to make sure that he is up for such a race, form wise.
The son of Acclamation, out of mare Gorband, landed three impressive victories last season, but he has not made an appearance this season as yet, due to the injury he sustained last season.
Richard Hannon’s charge started his racing career on 12th June, 2011, where he was mounted by rider, Richard Hughes, in the Bridget Swire Memorial Maiden Stakes at Salisbury, and defeated the race favourite, Avon Pearl, by 3
¾ lengths.
This was a huge victory and he continued with the winning momentum, as he raced in the Earl of Euston E B F Conditions Stakes at Newmarket on 7th July, 2011.
Ridden by jockey, Ryan Moore, the duo posted a 4 ½ length victory over the Ed Dunlop trained Burwaaz.
The bay colt stirred interest in the market as he raced as the evening’s favourite in the Group 2 Tanqueray Richmond Stakes at Goodwood on 29thJuly, 2011, under the command of Richard Hughes.
The bay colt was led to victory over the six furlong track, as he defeated Mark Johnston’s charge, Bannock, by 2 ¼ lengths.
David Redvers, racing manager to owners, H. Robin Heffer and Qatar Bloodstock, stated to the press:
"I'd say it's 50-50 whether he makes Ascot and I just suspect it might come or week or two too soon. It isn't the end of the world if he misses Ascot. It is still only the middle of June and there are lots of races for him.”
Redvers emphasised on the fact that the runner needs to be in the best possible physical form before he races, even though he has been performing well in his workouts and his connections seem satisfied with his performance.
The owners’ representative also said:
“Harbour Watch did a bit more work (on Wednesday morning) and everyone was very pleased."
"He's coming along nicely, but we do want him to be 110% when he goes to the races and Ascot is coming up pretty quick.”
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