Big guns set for Newbury clash
The former won the Yorkshire Cup on his seasonal reappearance and chased home Yeats for a second year in succession in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
Jeremy Noseda’s 2006 St Leger hero Sixties Icon bounced back to form when winning a Group Three contest at Glorious Goodwood and is also among the 20 possibles for the Group Three in Berkshire.
Saeed bin Suroor could saddle Eastern Anthem, an impressive 10-length scorer at Newmarket last time, while Gordon Stakes runner-up Donegal also holds an entry.
Clive Cox is considering the race for Miracle Seeker, although the Lambourn handler hopes the forecast rain stays away from Newbury.
“It is just an entry at this stage and I will discuss it with the owners before making a firm decision,” said Cox.
“She has been in great form since her last run at Goodwood and she has now proved she gets this sort of trip.
“She is a game filly, but we will keep an eye on the weather as she definitely won’t run at the weekend if the ground is too soft.”
Meanwhile, Mark Tompkins is confident Gee Dee Nen’s Shergar Cup victory should be enough for him to work his way into the weights for next week’s totesport Ebor at York.
Hayley Turner steered the five-year-old to a narrow defeat of Bogside Theatre in the stayers race at last Saturday’s jockeys’ challenge and Tompkins’ charge is at the top of his game at present.
“I was delighted with Gee Dee Nen’s win at Ascot on Saturday,” the trainer told his website.
“He is such a genuine horse and after that win he should get in the Ebor. It may be a bit short for him, but they will go a tremendous pace and hopefully his stamina and determination will come into play.”
The sponsors only go 20-1 for the valuable Knavesmire handicap.
