Chapman hopes Quito can reign supreme

David Chapman is hoping the Merbury Catering Consultants Supreme Stakes at Goodwood tomorrow will not prove to be one race too many at the end of a long season for Quito.

The admirable nine-year-old has scored in three Listed races already this season, but after 108 career starts, he is sill searching for his first win at Group Three level.

Chapman hopes he can make that elusive breakthrough tomorrow, but despite allowing his charge a 17-day break, he confesses he would have preferred his charge to have been a bit livelier in the lead-up to the race.

“He hasn’t freshened up like I would have liked him to have done,” said Chapman.

“He’s still a bit quiet but there’s nothing wrong with him. It could possibly be the effects of a long season catching up with him.

“When I took him across to be loaded in to the wagon to take him down I never heard him kick once.

“I’m not sure if that’s a bad sign or a good sign but it’s certainly different. He certainly hasn’t got as much off as usual.

“These small field Listed and Group races seem to suit him best but I just wish it wasn’t at Goodwood – it’s not his ideal track,” he explained.

“It’s a bit too undulating, it’s not like York and Haydock which are true galloping tracks which he likes.”