Ajaya On Commonwealth Trail

Ajaya | Racing Post

Last year's G2 ITM Gimcrack S. winner Ajaya (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) is aiming towards a seasonal return in the G2 Sandy Lane S. at Haydock May 28. William Haggas won the race last year when Adaay (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) beat Limato (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}) and the Newmarket trainer will be hoping for a similar performance from the Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar owned homebred. The colt was last seen finishing fourth to Shalaa (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in the G1 Juddmonte Middle Park S. and Haggas reported, “Ajaya is fine and we haven't done anything with him on track so far as we had this plan in mind. As he is already a Group 2 winner, we are going to run him in the [G2} Sandy Lane Stakes up at Haydock, then in the [G1] Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.” Like most trainers Haggas feels the introduction of the Ascot race, the inaugural edition won last year by Muhaarar (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), is a valuable addition to Britain's race programme. “The Commonwealth Cup a fantastic race. It is a tough race with or without Shalaa and it will still be very competitive,” added Haggas.

News of Shalaa's setback has prompted another Newmarket trainer to re-consider plans. Hugo Palmer is also leaning towards the Royal Ascot race with his recent Craven meeting winner Gifted Master (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). The gelded 3-year-old beat last year's G2 Norfolk S. winner Waterloo Bridge (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) in the £100,000 Tattersalls Millions Sprint over six furlongs and Palmer is keen to let him take his chance at the top level over that trip. “The original plan was the [G3] Jersey S. but, with Shalaa out, we may take a look at the Commonwealth Cup. He did it really well over six furlongs last week and we have options with him trip-wise now, as I thought he was more a miler than a sprinter,” revealed Palmer.

 

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