Tag Archive for: James Ferguson

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.”

Zoology poised to test Classic credentials in Greenham

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Zoology will bid to underline his Classic potential when he lines up in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The Zoustar colt made an impressive winning debut at Yarmouth in September and was pitched into the deep end by trainer James Ferguson on his second start, when well held by Blackbeard in the Middle Park at Newmarket a couple of weeks later.

The Qatar Racing-owned colt was upped to seven furlongs for his return earlier this month in a well-contested novice event at Southwell, where he beat Covey by a neck, with the pair a little way clear of the remainder.

Zoology has the right big-race engagements and his Newmarket handler is keen to learn more at the weekend.

“He runs in the Greenham on Saturday and he has a French Guineas and English Guineas entry,” said Ferguson.

“If he runs well in that and we think he will get a mile, then that’s where he will be aimed.

“If we don’t think he will get a mile, then we will look for options over seven furlongs, probably at Royal Ascot. Zoustar got a mile, so we’d be hopeful.”

Zoology’s sire was an Australian seven-furlong Group One winner at three, having been touched off on his only try over a mile in similar company at two.

“Good ground would be fine for Zoology,” added Ferguson. “He probably wouldn’t want it too soft. He has got a nice action and I don’t see the ground being being a concern. I think it is going to dry up in the week.”

Canberra Legend is also being prepared as a potential Classic horse. The three-year-old Australia colt made an eyecatching debut at Newcastle in February, powering clear of seven rivals in a mile novice event.

A Dante and Derby entry, he looks poised to have his second start as the Flat season gets into gear on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket’s three-day Craven meeting, which starts on Tuesday.

Ferguson said: “Canberra Legend won very impressively at Newcastle and we have been pleased with his progress.

“He holds a Derby entry and he is either going to run in the (Listed) Feilden or the (Group Three) Craven this week, most likely in the Feilden (Wednesday).”

Deauville Legend will make his return at Newmarket this week
Deauville Legend will make his return at Newmarket this week (Tim Goode/PA)

Meanwhile, Deauville Legend, who was runner-up in the King George V at Royal Ascot before enjoying success in both the Bahrain Trophy and the Great Voltigeur last season, will have a backend campaign, much like last year.

Having ended his three-year-old campaign with a gallant fourth to Gold Trip in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November, Ferguson is keen to go overseas once again.

He said: “Deauville Legend has been given a long break, because he will probably be aimed towards an international campaign at the end of the year.

“He will be back for Royal Ascot and aimed at the Hardwicke, hopefully.”