Bell biding his time with Saturn

Saturn, impressive winner at Newbury on Friday, is set to have his last run of the season at either Doncaster or Ascot next month depending on the ground.

Michael Bell‘s colt earned quotes of 33-1 for the Sagitta 2000 Guineas and the Vodafone Derby following his smooth win over Cat Ona High in race that has thrown up several stars over the years including Shergar, Rainbow Quest and Nayef.

But Bell has taken the son of Marju out of Saturday‘s Hackney Empire Royal Lodge Stakes as the race comes too soon.

“He‘s not running in the Royal Lodge. He‘s 100 per cent, but we have decided to give him more time before picking his next race,” said the Newmarket trainer today.

And Bell confirmed that he and owners Highclere Thoroughbreds are considering the Listed Tom McGee Autumn Stakes at Ascot on October 12 or the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, both over a mile, two weeks later.

“The Racing Post Trophy would be the favourite option but a slight concern is whether the ground goes before then.

“If the ground was to deteriorate we would not want a mudbath for him, so another option would be the Tom McGee Autumn Stakes at Ascot, the horse has taken the Newbury race particularly well.”

Bell though is praying for rain to allow Ballerina Supremo to take her chance in the Meon Valley Stud Fillies‘ Mile at Ascot on Saturday.

“She is in the fillies mile, but would want significant rain to take part,” he said.

One horse who definitely bypasses Ascot on Saturday is Red Carpet. The four-year-old misses the Brunswick Diadem Stakes for the Group Three Charlton Hunt Supreme Stakes over seven furlongs at Goodwood on Thursday.

“He‘s in very good form, he‘s very well and looks really back to himself.”