Saddler’s Rock to be a bright prospect for the Ascot Gold Cup
If the trainer of any horse honestly considers his horse good enough to be contesting at the Ascot then it is certain that the horse has been really up to something. Such is Saddler’s Rock.
The three year old Irish under the training of and through the influential guidance of John M Oxx won the Stobart Doncaster Cup which entitles to be a Group 2 race. The victory was no ordinary one as Saddler’s Rock won this one against none other than Opinion
Poll who was representing Godolphin.
Before this he was the first one in the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup that was in August and earlier yet another win at the Artemis Goodwood Cup in July. He is being trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni.
On the other hand, Saddler’s Rock did not have such a boosting record as he managed a third position at the Irish Field St Leger Trial Stakes in August and a first holding in July at the Leopardstown while making his mark at this event as well.
It was by no means the easiest race for him as he did encounter competition from all ends. He was the only three-year-old around on the field.
Thus ,the proud trainer, John M Oxx, is confident about the abilities and credentials of his horse to qualify for the Ascot Gold Cup. This would be Saddler’s Rock’s initial attempt at the Group 1 stakes.
The trainer went on telling:
"He's a good horse and I think he'll be an Ascot Gold Cup contender. He may not run anymore this year. He hasn't got too many entries. He's in the Group Two on Arc Saturday, but he's a Sadler's Wells, who likes good, fast ground”.
It is a race for horses that are exceptional ‘stayers’, ones who have enough stamina and are good with long distances. It covers a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs. The June, 2011 Ascot Gold Cup, the cup was won by Fame and Glory under Jamie Spencer that
was trained by Aidan O’Brien.
The reason for many horses now not being able to win the Triple Crown is because they or their trainers usually specialise the horses for specific distances only. If Saddler’s Rock is really putting an effort then who knows how further will he be really
able to make it.
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