Sir Michael Stoute hopeful of Sea Moon’s success in King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Ascot
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute is not over-confident, but pretty hopeful of Sea Moon’s triumph in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, to be held at Royal Ascot this weekend. The 4-year-old is carrying the second highest odds after Nathaniel and if
he manages to notch up the top spot, it will be Sir Michael Stoute’s sixth win in the Group 1 event.
Sea Moon is unbeaten so far this season. He started his 2012 journey with a close success in the Class 1 Southern Daily Echo Tapster Stakes at Goodwood in May. After winning the listed race, the son of Beat Hollow stepped up to the graded event with a huge
bang.
In the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes here last month, the K. Abdulla-owned did a wonderful job in the hands of Ryan Moore. After getting in command, the 3-1 favourite kept stretching his advantage till the finishing line. Following an excellent effort, the bay
colt clinched the top status by three and a quarter lengths.
Sir Michael Stoute has an amazing track record in this race, but still he is not ready to be complacent. On his charge’s chances in today’s big meeting, the veteran handler told Sky Sports News: "It's a very competitive renewal, that's for sure - Nathaniel,
St Nicholas Abbey and there are others too who are very decent Group One horses."
He continued: "But we're glad to be in there having a shot at it because he's come through the Hardwicke well and he's pleasing us in his preparations. Historically it's been a race that's run up a lot of champions, a lot of excitement and I love the race.
It's one of the great middle-distances races in the calendar in Europe. He's got a shot but it's a very, very tough race and we're hopeful rather than confident."
Today’s line-up is a lot stronger than the one Sea Moon faced in his last winning appearance at this track. Yet, Stoute would be satisfied, if his trainee runs to the same level. According to the general predictions, the big meeting will be all about the
clash between Nathaniel and Sea Moon.
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