Godolphin's Trawlerman (Golden Horn) is likely to defend his title in the August 21 G2 Lonsdale Cup, according to co-trainer John Gosden.
Second to Scandinavia (Justify) in both the G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and in Goodwood's G1 Goodwood Cup–the latter after being impeded by a loose horse–the Group 1 winner has exited his latest effort in good order.
“He had an interesting ride around the Sussex Downs – the loose horse clearly interfering and then coming across. But he seems in good order from the race,” said Gosden, who trains in partnership with his son Thady.
“We would very much be inclined at the moment to be considering going for the Lonsdale. It's a race he's won before, a lovely race at a great meeting.”
The Gosdens are also intending to run G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes hero Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder) also for Godolphin at the meeting in the G1 Juddmonte International.
“We're building up his programme now, but he's a horse who's got a wonderful mind, good constitution, so he enjoys his training without being flamboyant” he added.
“On the other hand, he's not resentful about anything he has to do. He goes out, enjoys it, comes back and does his work. To that extent, he's a pleasure to train.
“We've obviously got some more important work to do, but he doesn't need hard, hard work or anything like that.
“He travels well on the bridle and we've been planning this all year from a long way out.”
Another Godolphin runner, the pacesetter Devil's Advocate (Too Darn Hot) ran as rabbit in the Princes of Wales's, and he is likely to reprise his role at York.
When asked, Gosden said, “Yes, I think so, and I'm sure Aidan [O'Brien] will have others in there for Constitution River (Wootton Bassett).”
Gosden's G3 Musidora Stakes winner Legacy Link (Dubawi) holds an entry in the G1 Yorkshire Oaks, while Superior Choice (Dubawi) is a interesting contender for the G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes.
The trainer said, “Legacy Link is in good form. She, like everybody in this country right now, let alone the farmers in the Vale of York, would very much like to see some rain. So to that extent, we'll see how it goes. But we're pleased with her.
“Superior Choice would be pointing towards the Voltigeur. He's still a horse on the up, still learning.
“I wouldn't see him being much beyond that trip – I think the mile and a half will probably wind up being the top end of his range.”
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