Trainer Mark Johnston plans to transport Buratino from his stable in Middleham to Knavesmire but readily admits that it is "looking unlikely" the Godolphin colt will take his chance in Saturday's G2 Gimcrack Stakes at York, the final day of the Ebor meeting.
Trainer Mark Johnston plans to transport Buratino from his stable in Middleham to Knavesmire but readily admits that it is "looking unlikely" the Godolphin colt will take his chance in Saturday's G2 Gimcrack Stakes at York, the final day of the Ebor meeting.
Johnston and regular jockey William Buick were both of the opinion that "sticky" ground at the Curragh was probably the reason for Buratino's lack-lustre third in the Phoenix Stakes on August 9. He failed to quicken in the closing stages.
The going at York this week has largely been riding on the soft side of Good, much slower than Buratino's preferred lightning fast surface, and that is a major worry for Johnston and Team Godolphin.
"We will take him to the track," Johnston said. "I will discuss the matter with John Ferguson (bloodstock adviser to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed) and we will then decide.
It is frustrating because we wanted to run him again soon after the trip to Ireland because we thought the ground was an issue for him there.
"But we are going to desperately need a change in the ground, and that is not looking likely," the trainer added.
Godolphin may be forced to rely solely on Steady Pace, winner of one race from five starts but very consistent. His last start third (beaten 4 lengths) to Shalaa and Tasleet in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood now looks rock solid.
Finnegan, trained by Wesley Ward in the United States, missed Royal Ascot because he was suffering from colic, but he is highly-regarded and a major chance.
Basem is Godolphin's first representative of the day, but despite his good fourth in Goodwood's Betfred Mile, his wide draw of 13 in the 14-runner Strensall Stakes makes his task challenging.
Top Notch Tonto and Gabrial will both appreciate the conditions and should run well.
Antiquarium is a strong stayer and has been looking for a step back up in trip, which he gets in the Melrose Stakes, over one mile and six furlongs. He has a good each-way chance.
The Ebor is typically tough. Godolphin are represented by Excellent Result and Wadi Al Hattawi, with the latter blinkered for the first time and stepping up in class off the back of a York win under 10st, over a mile and a half.
Clondaw Warrior, trained by Willie Mullins, gets a run now (coming off the reserve list) and he is in cracking form. Quick Jack, trained by another Irishman, Tony Martin, is also one with strong claims.
Other Godolphin runners are Rouleau in the Rose Stakes and Elhaame in the Jack Berry House Stakes.
Sunday's meeting at Deauville features an interesting 5-runner Prix Morny in which highly-regarded juveniles Shalaa and Gutaifan clash. The relevance is that both represent solid strands of form in the overall appraisal of the two-year-olds this year.
Only six run in the Prix Kergorlay, which can often throw up a pointer to the Melbourne Cup. The Mark Johnston-trained Oriental Fox is a major contender, as too is Victory Song.
Ribbons and Madame Chiang are two to watch in the G1 Prix Jean Romanet, for which eight are declared.
News from Australia is that both Contributer and Hartnell trialled very well at Randwick on Friday and remain on target to make their seasonal debuts in coming weeks. Contributer is to head to Melbourne, while Hartnell remains in Sydney to commence his campaign.
