Tag Archive for: bet365 Feilden Stakes

Canberra Legend opens up Classic possibilities

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James Ferguson looks to have a smart prospect on his hands after Canberra Legend advertised his talent with victory in the bet365 Feilden Stakes at Newmarket.

The son of Australia created a deep impression when winning at Newcastle on debut, but this was a marked step up in class for just his second racecourse appearance.

Settled in mid-division as Charlie Johnston’s Killybegs Warrior led the field along, he was one of four to pull away from the pack as the race began to develop inside the final quarter of a mile.

In fact it looked as if Kolsai would provide Roger Varian with back-to-back victories in the Listed contest as Canberra Legend got lost heading into the dip. But as he hit the rising ground, the 15-2 shot found top gear and was keeping on strongly to take down Kolsai deep inside the final furlong.

Owned by Bon Ho – who enjoyed plenty of success alongside the Kremlin Cottage handler with Deauville Legend last term – Canberra Legend holds Classic entries in both the Qipco 2000 Guineas and the Betfred Derby, with Paddy Power going 20-1 from 50s for the Epsom contest on June 4.

Although a next port of call is still to be decided, Ferguson hinted a return to the Rowley Mile on Coronation day may come too soon, with York’s Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes on May 18 an alternative option.

Ferguson said: “He was quite inexperienced coming into the race, so I was delighted with how professional he was when the gates opened. From that wide draw he had every opportunity to be a bit keen and free, but he settled into the race really well.

“I thought he was given a lovely ride and from the jockey’s actions it looked like Dan was pretty happy the whole way, so I’m absolutely thrilled.

“He always has a been a big type, but he did show his class at two. We all made a decision to leave him and let him develop over the winter and that run at Newcastle and today showed he does have the ability that he’d shown us at home.

“I think he will definitely get further in time. Whether the Guineas is unlikely or not, I can’t say that without talking to the owner.

“He’s in the Guineas and the Dante. I think we have to see how he comes out of the race, the Guineas isn’t that far away. He looks like he wants further, but I have to talk to the owner first.

“We’ve got a lot of options ahead of us and it’s very exciting to have a horse of this calibre.”

There was further joy for Ferguson when 3-1 favourite Like A Tiger overcame a slow start to win the concluding Price Promise At bet365 Handicap in imperious fashion.

The 10-furlong handicap has some useful names on its roll of honour and Ferguson believes there could be plenty more to come from the improving son of Farhh, who was four lengths clear of the opposition at the winning post.

Ferguson said: “He’s obviously improved a lot since last year, but his pedigree said he would.

“I’d say I’ve got a bit of stalls work to do! He’s normally very relaxed, so that did surprise me. Luckily they didn’t go very quick so he caught up nicely and didn’t take too much out of himself.

“I think the ground was a big factor for him today. You can see from his knee action that he’s got a soft ground action and good to soft really plays into his favour.

Like A Tiger (right), here finishing second on debut, made a winning return to the Rowley Mile in the Price Promise At bet365 Handicap
Like A Tiger (right), here finishing second on debut, made a winning return to the Rowley Mile in the Price Promise At bet365 Handicap (Mike Egerton/PA)

“I can see him getting a mile and a half no problem. He’s got the usual entries and we’ll have to see how he gets on and where the right place for him is.

“He’s a very likeable horse and a bit of a yard favourite.”

Like Canberra Legend, Like A Tiger holds a Dante entry, but it seems unlikely will both head for the Knavesmire next month.

Ferguson added: “I wouldn’t want them to take each other on, I don’t think there’s any need to do that.

“It’s exciting to have the two of them. We’ve got a number of quality horses in the yard and hopefully we can continue on this track.”

Blanchland seeking to establish Derby credentials

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Jane Chapple-Hyam is dreaming of the Betfred Derby with Blanchland ahead of his return in the bet365 Feilden Stakes at Newmarket.

The son of Farhh finished in midfield at Newbury on debut, but played a central role in his next three outings at two, beating some useful operators when getting off the mark at Newcastle.

Owned by leisure entrepreneur Peter Harris, the colt was last seen finishing second over 10 furlongs in the Zetland Stakes last October and Chapple-Hyam has been encouraged to see the horse in third on that occasion, Dear My Friend, come out and frank the form by winning the Burradon Stakes.

Blanchland (left) on the way to finishing second in the Zetland Stakes
Blanchland (left) on the way to finishing second in the Zetland Stakes (Tim Goode/PA)

“We’re looking forward to it,” said Chapple-Hyam.

“He’s trained and wintered well. He’s grown and matured and we’re very pleased with how he’s taken to the early spring. We always like to see form boosted and Newcastle was good to see from the horse that finished third (in the Zetland).

“Blanchland knows the track and has trained over there in his gallops and we’re looking forward to it. The Epsom Derby is the goal but we have to come through Wednesday first.”

The Clarehaven team of John and Thady Gosden have won this Listed event three times in the last 10 years, including with subsequent Derby hero Golden Horn in 2015.

This time they field Intinso, who looked a talented prospect when registering a three-and-a-quarter-length success at Newcastle on debut.

“He won what looked a fairly poor race but he won it quite comfortably,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Intinso’s owner, Imad Al Sagar.

“He’s wintered well and been very straightforward coming up to this. John has been pleased with him, he’s a lovely actioned horse and this looks a good spot to test his credentials.”

There is strong Godolphin representation in the form of Bold Act – who is attempting to extend a four-race winning run following his recent win at Chelmsford – and stablemate Regal Honour.

Bold Act ridden by William Buick wins the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Nursery during day one of the Cambridgeshire Meeting at Newmarket Racecourse
Bold Act ridden by William Buick wins the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Nursery during day one of the Cambridgeshire Meeting at Newmarket Racecourse (Mike Egerton/PA)

Both have course victories to their name and have the chance to play their way into Classic contention for Charlie Appleby.

“Bold Act was last seen winning at Chelmsford. He’s won his last four starts and has progressed into the type who deserves to be pitched in at this level,” the Moulton Paddocks handler told www.godolphin.com.

“Regal Honour has course experience, being placed and also winning on the Rowley Mile. On pedigree, stepping up in trip should suit him.”

James Ferguson’s Canberra Legend has just the one start to his name but could not have been more impressive when stylishly opening his account at Newcastle in February, while Kolsai landed a competitive maiden on the Rowley Mile in the autumn and Roger Varian is optimistic he can make his presence felt in what is a strong line-up of colts.

“We’re dipping our toe into the Feilden and it looks a strong race,” said Varian.

“He’s a nice colt and he did nothing wrong last year. He was runner-up on his debut and then probably won a reasonable novice event at Newmarket in the autumn – those races usually work out.

“He’s stepping up two furlongs but we think he will stay. It looks a field full of lovely colts loaded with potential. Hopefully our guy fits into that category and we will see how we fare before making any future plans.”

Ralph Beckett’s Captain Wierzba, beaten the best part of 10 lengths in the Vertem Futurity in October, Galactic Jack (Andrew Balding) and Killybegs Warrior (Charlie Johnston) complete the field.