Hoof It and jockey Frankie Dettori pair up in the Group 3 John Sunley Memorial Criterion Stakes
Hoof It, and rider Frankie Dettori have an aim in mind, and that is to land a victory in the Group 3 John Sunley Memorial Criterion Stakes at Newmarket on 30th June, 2012.
Trained by Michael Easterby, the gelding will try to dominate the seven furlong course, and return to his winning form - which he demonstrated several times last season.
The son of Monsieur Bond did not compete in the Royal Ascot, mainly because the connections were not satisfied with his form, and felt there is still room for improvement.
The runner, who is foaled by mare Forever Bond, finished fifth in the Group 2 Duke of York Totepool Stakes at York on 16th May, 2012, where he rode under the command of rider, Ryan Moore over a distance of six furlongs – which
also proved to be his seasonal debut.
The bay gelding claimed three victories last season, including the Blue Square Stewards' Cup (Heritage Handicap) at Goodwood on 30th July, 2011.
Paired with rider, Kieren Fallon, he raced as a joint-favourite, and lived up to expectations as he seized the victory over the David Nicholls trained, Tax Free, by a margin of 2 ½ lengths.
The gelding’s record lacks a victory in Group categories, and now he has set his sights on the Group 3 win, but he will be trying his best to claim a Group 1 victory as well.
The next stop after this might be the Group 1 Darley July Cup on 14th July, 2012, at Newmarket - over a distance of six furlongs.
Eight victories in twenty starts, is pretty impressive for any runner, and if Hoof It shows progress, he will be competing in many big events.
The owners, A. Chandler and L. Westwood, seem excited about the prospect of Frankie Dettori taking charge of Hoof It, as they stated via Twitter:
"Prep race on Saturday at Newmarket with Frankie riding! Over seven furlongs but will be useful."
This will be Frankie Dettori’s first ride on Hoof It, and chances are that he will work his magic on the five-year-old runner.
Dettori recently guided the Godolphin owned, Tha'Ir, to victory in the seven furlong Chesham Stakes (Listed Race) at Royal Ascot on 23rd June, 2012.
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