Kiaran McLaughlin is not concerned about Frosted's wide draw in Saturday's Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga. In fact, the trainer believes it could be to his advantage in a race that may become very tactical.
Kiaran McLaughlin is not concerned about Frosted's wide draw in Saturday's Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga. In fact, the trainer believes it could be to his advantage in a race that may become very tactical.
Godolphin-owned Frosted is resuming after a short break. He last ran on June 6 when a gallant second to Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in the Belmont Stakes in New York.
"I like the post-position draw, 7 of 7," McLaughlin said. "I think Frosted likes being out in the clear. He did when he won the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct in April, and if he is out wide, he is out of trouble.
"Sometimes when you're favourite it's like having a target on your back," he added. "Also, the field may even be smaller than 7 runners, as there are a couple cross-entered."
Frosted is being trained for the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug 29 as his immediate target.
Meanwhile, American Pharoah also resumes following a break, in the Haskell Invitation, at Monmouth Park on Sunday. He faces a maximum of seven rivals. The race is a "win and you're in" contest for the Breeders Cup.
Godolphin send the promising Beautiful Romance to Deauville for Saturday's Prix de Psyche, over a mile and a quarter, and the Saeed bin Suroor-trained filly has an excellent winning chance.
In early spring, she finished a very solid third to Osaila and New Providence in Newmarket's Nell Gwyn Stakes. She has enjoyed a lay-off since, but more importantly, she will get soft ground underfoot in this G3 fillies' contest.
Saeed said: "We are going to France for the (soft) ground, which she will love. She is in good form at home, and she is ready to go."
Godolphin have two runners in Sunday's G1 Prix Rothschild -- both are trained by Andre Fabre -- Usherette, the mount of Mickael Barzalona, and Fintry, to be partnered by Vincent Cheminaud.
The David O'Meara-trained Amazing Maria has been in sparkling form of late and is the one they all have to beat.
The final day of the Goodwood Festival marks the end of a busy racing week in Britain. Godolphin's Folkswood is an interesting runner in the seven-furlong maiden, having previously finished third in similar company. Antiquarium in the Educate A Child Stakes is also worth noting.
The £600,000 Nassau Stakes features the second, third, fourth and fifth from the Investec Oaks at Epsom. But the John Gosden-trained Star Of Seville, winner of the Prix de Diane, may provide strong opposition.
