Sea Moon’s connections optimistic despite King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes debacle
Sea Moon’s camp is not disappointed despite a terrible defeat in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Ascot last weekend. Sir Michael Stoute’s 2-1 favourite could only seize the fifth place behind Danedream in the Group 1 event.
The 4-year-old stepped into the £567,100.00 meeting with a lot of expectations following his two marvellous wins this season. He started off his 2012 journey with a classy triumph in the Southern Daily Echo Tapster Stakes (Listed Race) at Goodwood in May.
Although it was a very close contest, the victory gave the colt plenty of confidence. Making the best use of his extraordinary skills, Sea Moon sealed the top rank in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. It was a comprehensive win for
the son of Beat Hollow, as he bagged the first prize by three and a quarter lengths.
After two brilliant wins, the dashing colt was expected to strike his second hat-trick. However, he completely failed to perform to his high reputation, and was never a threat to the leading runners in the recent competition.
Nevertheless, his connections are pretty hopeful, saying that the decision about the four-year-old’s future appearances will be made after proper consideration. Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, said:
"There are no plans for him yet. We've got to see how he comes out of it. On reflection he ran a pretty decent race and we'll just have to contemplate the future a bit. He was beaten just under two and a half lengths. From that point of view, that's not
insurmountable as far as the future goes."
Meanwhile, Grimthorpe confirmed that the unbeaten colt, Frankel, will be defending his title in the Group 1 Qipco Sussex Stakes (British Champions Series) at Goodwood on the first of August. The 4-year-old champion runner won last year’s edition with ease,
and would look to stretch his 100% winning record to 12 starts next month.
"All's well with Frankel. He's heading for the Sussex," Grimthorpe said of Galileo’s son, who won the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes and JLT Lockinge Stakes earlier this season.
Tags: