Mark Johnston is eagerly awaiting the reappearance of Buratino in Sunday's Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh as his Middleham stable in the North of England continues to fire in winners all over the country.
Mark Johnston is eagerly awaiting the reappearance of Buratino in Sunday's Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh as his Middleham stable in the North of England continues to fire in winners all over the country.
Godolphin's Buratino was an impressive winner of the six-furlong Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, and he has since enjoyed a summer break. He is an outstanding prospect for the important end-of-season feature races.
Very few two-year-olds went to Ascot with as much racing experience -- he had run five times in nine weeks. But, there is little doubt, this colt, a son of Darley stallion Exceed And Excel, has thrived.
Johnston said: "His (body) weight is absolutely perfect, and I believe everything is spot on for Ireland. I was a little concerned when I first heard the going report, but I have been assured it won't be softer than good."
Buratino is attempting to become the first British-trained winner of the Phoenix Stakes since Princely Heir, also trained by Johnston and ridden by Jason Weaver, in 1997, when the race was run at Leopardstown.
Johnston currently has his stable in brilliant form, having sent out a personal best 47 winners in the month of July.
"Buratino is already a valuable stallion prospect, but his status will be enhanced if he were able to win this," the trainer added.
The Phoenix Stakes is the first Group One race of the season for two-year-olds. Buratino, who will be partnered by Godolphin jockey William Buick, faces seven rivals, including three from Ballydoyle, Air Force Blue, Painted Cliffs and Washington DC.
The other major race in Europe at the weekend is Deauville's Prix Maurice de Gheest, over six and a half furlongs on Sunday.
Majestic Queen carries the royal blue colours of Godolphin in this intriguing clash with several horses who find themselves falling between two stools, so to speak. The race suits a horse who runs a strong six furlongs, yet has trouble in lasting home over one mile.
The Tracey Collins-trained mare looked very good when beating New Providence and Evita Peron, over seven furlongs in the G3 Chartwell Fillies' Stakes at Lingfield on May 9.
She was subsequently purchased at public auction at the Goffs' pre-Royal Ascot Sale in London. Her most recent run resulted in a second behind Ainippe in the G3 Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse on July 5.
Another very interesting runner at the weekend is Bint Al Reem in the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket, who bids to build on her recent debut success. The Charlie Appleby trained runner is highly regarded at home.
