Brunel out to redeem reputation

Brunel will bid to put a disappointing French raid behind him when he steps back up in trip in the totesport Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday.

The winner of this year’s German 2000 Guineas for trainer William Haggas, Brunel has produced his best performances over the mile distance, finishing a close fifth to Azamour in the St James’s Palace Stakes as well as landing the Group Two contest in Cologne.

He was stepped down in trip to an extended six furlongs in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville earlier this month but could only finish 11th.

“He runs on Saturday and Darryll Holland rides,” said Harry Herbert, racing manager to owner Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

“He had a good blow-out this morning which William was pleased with. I think we got it wrong with him at Deauville and we should see the horse that ran so well in the St James’ Palace this time.

“I think he goes on any ground, as he’s a big, strong colt who is improving. It will be hard for him with the Group Two penalty he got from winning in Germany but you can’t get away from it.”