Derby entrant Artistic Star showed a very willing attitude to take his record to two from two and enter the Epsom picture with victory in the Darley British EBF Novice Stakes at Sandown.
The Ralph Beckett-trained, Jeff Smith-owned Galileo colt was making his three-year-old bow after winning a Nottingham maiden in October.
Stepping up to a mile and a quarter from the extended mile of that run, he saw out every yard under Rob Hornby to readily hold off Torito by a length and a quarter as the the 9-4 favourite.
Beckett – who saddled Westover to be an unlucky-in-running third in last year’s Derby – said: “He is a smashing horse. He is a May 27 foal and he has only just been ready for this now.
“We will see how we go with him, but whatever we do next we will have a load of sport with him because he is still a horse in the making I feel.
“Jeff, David (Bowe, racing manager to the owner) and I will have a chat in a fortnight’s time and see how we feel.
“We wanted to go to Lingfield (for the Derby Trial) and that opportunity was taken away from us so this was a really good spot for him.”
As well as the Derby, the winner holds an engagement in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Beckett added: “It is not a bad shout, Ascot, as Jessie Harrington had the full-sister (Forbearance) and she was adamant she needed fast ground and so if we did get into our heat of summer the King Edward VII might seem like a target.
“I’d be a little bit concerned it is only two and a half weeks until Epsom and he might just bounce.”
Ground proved key to Cachet getting Foret green light
Cachet will take her chance in the Qatar Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
Last year’s 1000 Guineas heroine was returning from 457 days on the sidelines when fourth in the Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting.
The Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned filly did have the option of waiting for next weekend’s Sun Chariot Stakes, but the promise of favourable ground conditions means George Boughey’s charge will be in the Bois de Boulogne this weekend.
“We’ve decided we’re going to run Cachet on Sunday in the Foret,” said Highclere’s Harry Herbert.
“George is delighted with her since her comeback run at Doncaster and she worked well on the Rowley Mile earlier in the week.
“The key to her is getting good or fast ground, so hopefully she’ll get that in Paris this weekend and if she does we hope she’ll be competitive.
“This could be her last run for Highclere before she is sold at the mares’ sale in December.”
Ground key to Cachet getting Foret green light
Cachet will take her chance in the Qatar Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
Last year’s 1000 Guineas heroine was returning from 457 days on the sidelines when fourth in the Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting.
The Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned filly did have the option of waiting for next weekend’s Sun Chariot Stakes, but the promise of favourable ground conditions means George Boughey’s charge will be in the Bois de Boulogne this weekend.
“We’ve decided we’re going to run Cachet on Sunday in the Foret,” said Highclere’s Harry Herbert.
“George is delighted with her since her comeback run at Doncaster and she worked well on the Rowley Mile earlier in the week.
“The key to her is getting good or fast ground, so hopefully she’ll get that in Paris this weekend and if she does we hope she’ll be competitive.
“This could be her last run for Highclere before she is sold at the mares’ sale in December.”
Emily Dickinson bidding to emulate Kyprios with Cadran success
Aidan O’Brien relies on Emily Dickinson as he bids to win back-to-back runnings of the Qatar Prix du Cadran.
Twelve months ago, the Ballydoyle trainer watched on in delight as his superstar stayer Kyprios produced a performance of absolute domination in the Group One feature over a searching two and a half miles.
An injury-hit campaign has only recently seen Kyprios back on a racecourse and he will not be in Paris on this occasion, instead waiting for the Long Distance Cup on Qipco British Champions Day.
Emily Dickinson steps up to the plate in his absence, with Frankie Dettori in the saddle as Ryan Moore is in Newmarket.
A consistent campaign has seen the daughter of Dubawi finish fourth in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and second to runaway winner Quickthorn in the Goodwood Cup.
“We’ll run Emily Dickinson in the Cadran, she’s in good form,” O’Brien said.
“Obviously, she had a good run in the Gold Cup and we’re pleased with her.
“We think the trip will suit her and any ease in the ground will suit her as well.”
Trueshan’s return to winning ways in the Doncaster Cup was one of the many highlights of the St Leger meeting.
It was just the third run of the year for Alan King’s hugely-popular gelding, who had been off since disappointing in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot back in May, after which he had wind surgery.
He won this race in 2021 and is again partnered by Hollie Doyle before heading to Ascot on Champions Day.
Last year’s Cesarewitch winner Run For Oscar takes his chance for Charles Byrnes, with Skazino, Moon Wolf and Vert Liberte completing the line-up.
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