Having belied inexperience by making all on debut at Glorious Goodwood, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum's Dee Ex Bee (GB) (Farhh {GB}) is a warm order for Wednesday's G3 Tattersalls Acomb S. at York. Showing the type of resolute galloping manner so associated with trainer Mark Johnston's stable, the powerful bay faces contrasting conditions and some tough opposition as he bids to build on that performance on soft ground Aug. 5.
Johnston's son and assistant Charlie said, “This was the plan for him straight away after his impressive win at Goodwood. He is a colt we have always thought a bit of and we wanted to save him for Glorious Goodwood. We have been happy with him since that win and hopefully he's good enough.”
Aidan O'Brien won this with Saratoga Springs in 1997 and Hemingway in 2000 and is represented by the progressive Fleet Review (War Front) who has shown a willing attitude from the front in his last two winning starts over six furlongs at The Curragh July 29 and Aug. 7.
“We always thought that he might get further than six furlongs. He is a forward-going horse,” his trainer commented. “We think it's a good time and a good track to just start going a little bit further and have another look at him.”
This is a big day for Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited, who supply the Aug. 14 Windsor novice stakes winner Lansky (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), while James Garfield (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) gives the first indication of the merit of Expert Eye (GB) (Acclamation {GB}) who he trailed in fourth last time in Goodwood's G2 Vintage S. at the start of the month.
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