Goodwood beckons for Distinction

Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Distinction is likely to try to go one better in the Lady O Goodwood Cup later this month.

Sir Michael Stoute’s six-year-old was beaten a neck by Westerner in the Group One race at Royal Ascot at York last month and is reported to have come on for the outing.

Harry Herbert, spokesman for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, is pleased with the Danehill gelding’s progress and confirmed that Goodwood on July 23 is firmly on the agenda.

“He’s doing really well. He is a summer horse and loves having the sun on his back,” he said.

“From a physical standpoint he has done really well and looks even better than he did at York. He’s fully come in his coat now and he seems in very good form.

“The Goodwood Cup is the plan. I saw him work last week and Sir Michael was pleased with him.”

Distinction was largely campaigned over middle-distances last year before stepping up to two miles in the Melbourne Cup.

He finished sixth behind Makybe Diva in the Flemington Park race and he could be counted an unlucky loser as he suffered interference in the straight.

A return trip to Melbourne is on the cards, providing all goes well in his preparations.

“The Melbourne Cup remains very much part of the plans. We said he would have to pay his way there this year and then he did so well at York,” Herbert added.

“We will be taking it one race at a time, but he was a bit unlucky in the race last year and he still seems to be improving as a six-year-old.

“We will have to see what happens with the weights this time, but there’s still the likes of Vinnie Roe and Makybe Diva in there.”