Dunlop considering Court plans

Ed Dunlop is considering stepping Court Masterpiece up to Group One level after his win in the Lennox Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

The Newmarket-based trainer was thrilled that the five-year-old son of Polish Precedent finally notched a victory in Group Two company and is now mulling over the options for his charge.

Speaking on his website, www.edunlop.com, he said: “I was very pleased that he won a Group race and I hope he can win another one.

“We are obviously having to consider Group One races now which is a step up. But I haven’t really decided at this stage where we are going to go next.

“The important thing is he seems to have come out of the race in very good condition.

“He is in the Group Two Celebration Mile on August 27, although I’m not convinced that I want to go for that – he’d have a 3lb penalty.

“He is in a Group Two at Baden-Baden over a mile on August 30 and we’ve also put him in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (September 24).”

Dunlop also feels that Court Masterpiece’s triumph at Goodwood eight days ago might secure him a second career after his days as a racehorse come to an end.

He added: “He is a very well-bred horse and his mother Easy Option was quick, while he is also fast. I hope he will now be able to eventually end up as a stallion – although not for a while!”