Reed targets British sprints

La Cucaracha, owned Guy Reed and trained by Barry Hills, will sidestep the Hong Kong Sprint so she can be preserved for another season of racing.

The four-year-old, who earned Reed his first Group One success in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August, was set to take her chance in the five-furlong dash on December 11.

However, Harrogate-based Reed said: “It’s a bit of shame but we’ve decided we’re going to attack the English courses next year.

“She’s alright, there’s no problem with her. The filly’s fine and will be ready to go in the new year and as soon as she’s wanted.

“We were never committed with the Hong Kong situation and with the committal time coming up, we thought we’d just save her for the new year.

“It’s a risk wherever you go with horses and we felt it (the Hong Kong Sprint) was one that was not worth taking.”

Reed added La Cucaracha, who finished second behind Goodricke in the William Hill Sprint Cup, will follow a similar route to last year.

“She’ll be targeted for most of the same races but one thing will change because the races at Ascot will be at Ascot and not at York,” said Reed.

“There are races there for her such as the King’s Stand Stakes which she didn’t get to because of the going.

“I think she’s the fastest filly in training anywhere and both Barry and I think there’s even more improvement in her.”