Beaver aiming for Supreme success

Connections of Beaver Patrol are hopeful the six-year-old can secure a first Group Three success in the KBC Supreme Stakes at Goodwood on Tuesday.

Although without a victory this season, the gelding has run a number of fine races in defeat, finishing second in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot and taking third in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury last time.

Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton admits her charge is now rated too highly to run in handicap company, but believes he is more than capable of holding his own at Group level.

“Beaver Patrol is in great form at home and I think the handicapper has got him now so he will have to stick to Group races,” said Johnson Houghton.

“He ran a good race at Newbury last time and the winner (Paco Boy) is probably the best seven-furlong horse in the country.

“He loves Goodwood which is a big plus and I am sure he can win one of these Group races.

“He wouldn’t want the ground too soft but we are very hopeful he will run well.”

Beaver Patrol faces eight rivals at the Sussex venue including South African raider Royal Vintage.

Recent Cork winner Duff makes the journey from Ireland, while Sharp Nephew and Welsh Emperor are other interesting contenders.