Imperial in full stride
Connections of Imperial Stride, trained by Michael Stoute (pictured) have high hopes their progressive colt can complete a four-timer in the 32Red.com September Stakes at Newmarket tomorrow.
The four-year-old has been in excellent form this term and was last seen defeating subsequent Arlington Million winner Powerscourt in the Scottish Derby at Ayr in July.
“He’s in very, very good shape,” said Bruce Raymond, assistant racing manager to Imperial Stride’s owner Saeed Suhail.
“We are hoping this fine weather continues because he prefers it fast. I think it’s between him and Bandari but we are more than hopeful.”
Although Raymond confirmed Imperial Stride’s long-term plan is still the Group One Emirates Airline Champion Stakes on October 15, he has not ruled out a possible tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Raymond added: “The Champion Stakes is currently the target rather than the Arc but we’ll be relying on Richard Hills, who has excellent judgement.
“And if he feels he is that kind of horse (to go for the Arc) we may change plans.”
Following Ouija Board’s defection earlier in the week, the September Stakes has attracted a field of six runners, including Hardwicke Stakes winner Bandari.
Mark Johnston’s six-year-old is fresh from a fruitful outing in Cologne when he finished second in a Group One event in August.
Mamool takes his chance for the Godolphin operation and will be partnered by Kerrin McEvoy.
Fourth behind Lochbuie in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury, McEvoy expects notable improvement from the six-year-old in the Group Three contest.
He told At The Races: “It should be a nice race for Mamool with Ouija Board being out – she was going to be the main danger.
“I was disappointed with my ride on him last time at Newbury. I got no run and was held up in a five-runner race, which is a cardinal sin.
“He is in good form and is one of my favourites so it would be good to win on him.”
Self Defense finished third in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes on his seasonal Flat bow and is reported to be in good order by trainer Emma Lavelle.
“He has the form to match some of them and I definitely think he could run a big race,” she said.
“He does seem to run very well when he’s fresh and he ran a cracking race at Newbury. But he didn’t do too much to get there and he should come on for that.”
George Margarson steps Polar Jem up in trip after she finished fourth behind Eccentric in the 10-furlong Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor last weekend.
“She proved she got a mile and a half last year, and again when winning first time out this year,” said the Newmarket handler.
“I am just thinking she gallops a little bit more now and is better off going that trip.
“Her mother got a mile and six and it would be interesting if she could improve for stepping up again.”
Geoff Wragg’s The Whistling Teal, fourth behind Mamool on his seasonal bow in the Listed Glorious Stakes at Goodwood, completes the line-up.
