Classic winner Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is pointing to either Royal Ascot's G2 Hardwicke S. later this month, or the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on July 8, according to Juddmonte's racing manager Barry Mahon.
“The Hardwicke is a possibility,” said Mahon of the Ralph Beckett trainee. “It's probably coming too soon, but it's a possibility. It's a toss-up between that and the [G1] Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, he'll run in one or the other of those hopefully.”
Last year's G1 Irish Derby hero ran fifth in the G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth S. and sixth in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. In 2023, he has placed second in both the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, and the G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom in early June.
He added, “We were absolutely delighted. He was second to an exceptionally good filly [Emily Upjohn {GB}], the time of the race was very strong–three seconds quicker than the Oaks I believe– and he has run a great race.
“The slow early fractions probably didn't suit us 100%, but we have no complaints. Frankie [Dettori, on Emily Upjohn] went past us at the three-pole and it was hard to get him back, but we were getting there at the line. He's a high-class horse and apart from in the King George last year, he's never run a bad race.”
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