Ascot in Smart's sights for Sir Alex's prospect

NORTH Yorkshire trainer Bryan Smart is hoping to provide Sir Alex Ferguson with a Royal Ascot runner in Excellently Poised.
Blue Point ridden by jockey William Buick, right, on the way to winning the Merriebelle Stable Pavilion StakesBlue Point ridden by jockey William Buick, right, on the way to winning the Merriebelle Stable Pavilion Stakes
Blue Point ridden by jockey William Buick, right, on the way to winning the Merriebelle Stable Pavilion Stakes

The Sepoy colt made a winning debut at Musselburgh recently when beating Requinto Dawn, who had won a division of the Brocklesby at Doncaster’s season-opening Flat meeting.

Smart would like to get another run into him before travelling south but where that will be has yet to be decided for the youngster, who is part-owned by the former Manchester United manager.

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“Obviously we’re thinking of Ascot at this stage,” said the Hambleton trainer.

“I trained his dam (Excelette) and she was very good. I’ll just have a look and see what is about for him. At the moment I’m very happy with him and he seems like a nice horse.”

Meanwhile Smart, who grew up in South Yorkshire and served his racing apprenticeship with National Hunt trainer jenny Pitman, is looking forward to getting Alpha Delphini back in action in the Longholes Palace House Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The six-year-old won handicaps at York and Ascot last summer before winning the Beverley Bullet in August.

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He was beaten a short head by Cotai Glory in a Group Three at Newbury in September, but would be 3lb better off should the pair clash again this weekend.

“He’s in good order and is as fit as I can possibly get him at home without having a run,” said Smart.

“He did his final piece of work on Tuesday morning and it went very well.

“Having won a Listed last year, we’re looking at Group races this season and I think he’s up to it. He’s matured again and should be reaching a peak.”

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Forest Ranger is on course for the Betfred Dante Stakes at York following his big-price success at Newcastle.

Malton trainer Richard Fahey feels the son of Lawman could be a potent force if he can prove his stamina over the extended 10 
furlongs in the Group Two contest, which is recognised as one of the top trials for the Investec Derby.

Forest Ranger has yet to race beyond a mile but upset several horses with Classic aspirations – including Kevin Ryan’s Syphax – when winning the valuable 32Red Burradon Conditions Stakes at Newcastle last month despite being a discarded 25-1 shot.

“All roads lead to the Dante, so we’re going to give him a shot at it,” said Fahey.

“He shouldn’t have been that price at Newcastle.

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“I think they fancied every horse in the race and drew a line through ours, but we do like the horse.

“We like him a lot. If he stays he could be a decent horse.”

James Tate believes Urban Fox has each-way prospects in the Qipco 1000 Guineas at 
Newmarket on Sunday following her better than expected seasonal debut.

The Harrogate-born handler, nephew of training legend Michael Dickinson, was delighted with her reappearance in finishing second to Dabyah in the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury.

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While Tate was hoping she would do herself justice, he did not expect such a good effort from the filly.

“She’s in great form. She had an interrupted preparation for her trial at Newbury, so she ran better than expected,” said Newmarket-based Tate.

“She’d had a foot problem and was barely fit to run. In the circumstances I thought she ran really well.

“She was placed in the Fillies’ Mile. and I’d be afraid of the Irish horses but not a lot else. I think we’ve got a good each-way chance.”

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Blue Point is on course for 
Royal Ascot’s Commonwealth Cup, the Grade One sprint for three-year-olds won by North Yorkshire’s Quiet Reflection last year.

The Goldolphin colt – winner of last year’s Gimcrack Stakes at York – broke the course record at Ascot yesterday in the Group Three Pavilion Stakes under jockey William Buick.

Trainer Charlie Appleby reported: “I’m not going to start changing my opinion of him - he’s the quickest horse in the yard and always has been.

“The horse has wintered well. A couple of people have said he’s not the biggest, but for me he’s got a great chest on him and plenty of strength.”

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Papillon, winner of the Grand National in 2000 for the father and son team of trainer Ted and jockey Ruby Walsh, has died at the age of 26.

Papillon, who was heavily backed on the day at Aintree, was a first ride in the world’s greatest steeplechase for the jockey, who was 20 at the time.

“It’s sad news but he gave me the greatest day of my racing life when he won the Grand National with Ruby on in 2000.

“That’s 17 years ago now but it doesn’t seem that long ago,” said Walsh.

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Coneygree is in line for a potential shot at the French Champion Hurdle following his magnificent effort in defeat in last week’s Punchestown Gold Cup.

The seriously talented but fragile 10-year-old was making his first appearance since filling the runner-up spot in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, and only his third start since becoming the first novice in 41 years to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2015.