Some of this year's potential St Leger candidates line up in the G3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket on Thursday, where Atty Persse (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) is certain to attract keen attention following his impressive success in the 12-furlong King George V H. at Royal Ascot June 22. Overcoming an unfavourable draw by using his sire's natural early pace there, Godolphin's representative also looked to have an abundance of stamina and trainer Roger Charlton is happy that this is the direction to take.
“He surprised us at Ascot,” he commented. “I thought he produced an amazing performance from a wide draw. The last furlong and a half looked good. He's a very good mover, rather like Frankel. I think there's always been a bit of hype about Frankels and indeed about this horse, but he's delivered really. Clearly stepping up to a mile and a half has been to his advantage and I see no reason why an extra furlong won't aid us further.”
Godolphin's first colours are sported by Tamleek (Hard Spun), who was eighth in the 10-furlong G3 Hampton Court S. at Royal Ascot June 22, while Wolf Country (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) was a latest fifth in the G2 Dante S. over an extended mile and a quarter May 18. “I am looking forward to stepping him back up in trip after he finished fifth last time in the Dante,” trainer Charlie Appleby said. “He travelled strongly but he got tapped for toe turning in. He did well winning his listed race in the spring, but dropping him back to 10 for the Dante was blatantly not his thing. He goes there is good order and hopefully he'll be very competitive. This is a trial for him ahead of a possible run in the St Leger.”
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