Dermot Weld plans Free Eagle workout
The Moyglare Stud-owned colt had been due to run in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last month, but suffered what was described as a head cold and no chances were taken.
Weld said: “Free Eagle is in good form. He will do a bit of work later in the week and then we will decide where he’ll go.”
A son of High Chaparral, Free Eagle has raced just four times. His final start of last season saw him finish third to Noble Mission in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.
Imminent engagements for Weld’s charge include the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, and the Coral-Eclipse.Expanding on his possible team for Ascot, Weld stressed he wants rain for ante-post Gold Cup favourite Forgotten Rules.
The Rosewell House trainer said: “Forgotten Rules is on course for the Gold Cup, but is very ground dependent.
“Mustajeeb is a definite possible, while Free Eagle is a possible. We will firm up plans for most of the horses later in the week.”
Weld suffered a setback when Investec Derby hope Zawraq was ruled out of the Epsom Classic last week.
He added: “Angus Gold (racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan) will make a statement on Zawraq during the week, and he’ll be back later in the year, please God.”
Meanwhile William Buick has been booked to ride California Chrome in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot tomorrow week.
Connections of last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner have opted for Buick as Frankie Dettori, their first choice, will be aboard Western Hymn for John Gosden in the Group One feature over a mile and a quarter on June 17.
California Chrome’s team are happy to have Buick on their side as he had their horse back in second place when steering Prince Bishop to victory in the Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March.
“William Buick’s going to ride him. Connections of the horse wanted him to ride,” said Newmarket trainer Rae Guest, who is currently housing California Chrome ahead of Royal Ascot.
“They did want Frankie, but he’s going to ride Western Hymn.
“They wanted one of the good English or European jockeys and William beat them in Dubai so they know him and he’s available.”
