Merchant Navy (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who won the 1200-metre G1 Coolmore Stud S., will take the first step in his autumn campaign in the G2 Rubiton S. on Feb. 10, reported Racing.com Wednesday. Also successful in the G3 H.D.F. McNeil S. at Caulfield on Sept. 2, the bay colt was purchased by Coolmore for future stallion duty in a deal coordinated by bloodstock agent Mark Pilkington a month ago and, if all goes well, he will progress to Royal Ascot in June.
“Merchant Navy spelled great,” said trainer Aaron Purcell. “He's a little bit bigger and stronger and possibly a little bit more colty. I think what he showed in the Coolmore is that he is a high-class sprinting colt, so we are going to follow down that path. We are looking to kick off in the Rubiton S. in about a month's time. Then he'll run second up in the [G1] Newmarket [H. at Flemington on Mar. 10] and then if he's looking like he's going well enough here, then Royal Ascot is still definitely in his sights. I'm sure we're going to have a fun time in the next few months [with him].”
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