Morrison keen on Jersey raid

Stimulation is on target for an appearance at Royal Ascot after suffering a last-gasp defeat at Newmarket on Saturday.

The European Free Handicap winner was clear entering the final furlong of the King Charles II Stakes, only for Godolphin’s Calming Influence to mug him close home.

Jeremy and Tariq, the last two winners of the Headquarters contest, used it as a stepping stone to victory in the Jersey Stakes at the Royal meeting and trainer Hughie Morrison has his eye on the same prize.

“He’s fine, very much so, and we’ll probably aim him for the Jersey now,” he confirmed.

“I was delighted with him really and if the race was run another 10 times I think he would have won it nine times out of 10.

“From our point of view the favourite (Luck Money) stopped too quickly and quite rightly Steve Drowne kicked for home, because he’s usually slower to respond on the course than he is at home.

“He just hit the proverbial wall inside the last 50 yards but if he hadn’t been carrying a penalty in that strong headwind he would probably have bolted up.”

Stimulation previously ran creditably to finish seventh behind Henrythenavigator in the 2000 Guineas over a mile at Newmarket, but Morrison believes seven furlongs is probably his ideal trip at present.

“If it had been half a furlong shorter on Saturday he would have been impressive,” he continued.

“Afterwards our initial thinking was that we might bring him back to six furlongs.

“But after some thought I think we’ll stick to seven furlongs and go to Royal Ascot for the Jersey.”