By Daithi Harvey
Al Kazeem (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) was a slow burner for trainer Roger Charlton, not winning a group race until he was a 4-year-old, and his highest rated son Aspetar (Fr) is beginning to mirror Al Kazeem's progress now as he edges his way towards Group 1 company. Roger Charlton's 4-year-old colt took a big step towards the highest level when winning the G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly on Sunday on what was his eighth career start and it was a performance that has opened up various options for Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani's homebred. “We have a few options for him, but possibly the [G1] Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud back in France in a month could be the best option – with some foreign raids at the end of the year,” the trainer's son Harry Charlton said on Monday. Connections had concerns over Aspetar's effectiveness on fast ground before Sunday's race but his three quarter of a length defeat of Ziyad (GB) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) dispelled those fears. “What was encouraging yesterday was that he handled the fast ground and has come back sound this morning, which will open up more opportunities for him,” Charlton added.
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