GROUP 1 LOCKINGE STAKES NEWBURY

[danieldean]

Looks like Ballydoyle are keen on this and looks like it could be a bit special, cuurently trading at 8-1.

A SPARKLING training gallop by Haradasun at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle facility in Ireland on Saturday prompted the trainer to scrap plans to tackle an overnight Group 3 race at Leopardstown, Dublin, and aim higher.

Haradasun's much anticipated first-up run for O'Brien will now be in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes (1600m) at Newbury, England, on Saturday night.

O'Brien had entered Haradasun for several races, including the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes, over 1600m, at Leopardstown.

The Lockinge, first run in 1958, is regarded as one of Europe's premier mile races and has a glittering list of winners.

A win in the Lockinge, or the Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1, 1600m) at Royal Ascot on June 17 – the next target for Haradasun – would probably justify Coolmore Stud's $22.5 million investment in the Australian four-year-old.

Fank Tagg, who retains a half-interest in Haradasun, said O'Brien was glowing in his assessment of Haradasun's Ballydoyle gallop at the weekend.

"I spoke to Aidan on the phone . . . it sounds like it was a pretty special track gallop," Tagg said.

"It prompted them to change tack immediately and head for the Lockinge."

Tagg said Coolmore would be anxious to win a Group 1 such as the Lockinge.

"They have a huge investment in the horse. He wouldn't be running unless they were supremely confident he'd run well," he said.

Coolmore's top jockey, Johnny Murtagh, rode Haradasun in his weekend gallop and will ride the entire for the first time at Newbury.

Winner of nearly £1m in prizemoney. won 2 group1s in Australia, 3 listed races, 2nd in the Schweppes (sprint) and belting 3rd in the Cox Plate (10f) last year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RKqOPbSnGY

half brother to multiple group1 winning Elvostroem.


Dean

Captain: A title in the Bible for military officers of varying duties and ranks, sometimes translated ‘commander’ or even ‘comptroller
:

[danieldean]

Cesare, ante-post favourite for the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes, features among 15 horses confirmed for Saturday's Group One highlight at Newbury.

James Fanshawe's charge, an easy winner at Listed level last month, will attempt to give owners Cheveley Park Stud their third victory in the race in the last five years after Russian Rhythm and Peeress hit the target in 2004 and 2006 respectively.

Aidan O'Brien, successful with Hawk Wing five years ago, has left in Astronomer Royal, Duke Of Marmalade, Haradasun and Mount Nelson, while Godolphin have Blue Ksar and Creachadoir.

Peter Chapple-Hyam could be triple-handed with Al Qasi, Medicine Path and the well-fancied Tariq.

Henry Cecil's Phoenix Tower maintained his unbeaten record in Group Three company last month and now faces the acid test, with Arabian Gleam, Rob Roy, Barshiba and Majestic Roi completing the list.

Six horses were removed at the five-day stage, with Richard Hannon's Bet365 Mile winner Major Cadeaux the biggest name.

Dubai's Touch, Kandidate, Linngari, Royal Oath and Harvest Queen are the others who will not be taking part.

[georgeroper]

As far as form goes, Jamie Spencer and Cesare walk it

As you say though, O'Brien's horse is interesting.

Think gonna stick with Cesare for the mo though

[yoyoleo]

agree with you georgeroper.
think phoenix tower will reach the places.
how's mildred..
_________________
"proper words in proper places,make the true defination of style" jonathan swift

master minded..champion chase winner 2009/2010/2011.

[HolyRomanEmpire]

[danieldean]

Johnathan have a google on Haradusun and see the pics I have not seen anything as turned out as this horse, it looks a machine, only the machines are used on my screensaver and he looks head and shoulders above the rest I am convinced this is special, it looks that special it scares me i am convinced Haradusun will be be right up there with best.

Now showing 7-2/4-1 in places.

Pics
http://www.jamd.com/search?text=Haradasun

2007 Bigpond Queen Elizabeth Stakes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoy2fc6qRgo

Dean

Captain: A title in the Bible for military officers of varying duties and ranks, sometimes translated ‘commander’ or even ‘comptroller

[danieldean]

Aiden O'Brien earlier comments on Haradasun

Haradasun's new trainer Aidan O'Brien believes the $45million stallion is best suited to a mile and will prepare him accordingly next year.

While not wanting to be critical of former trainer Tony Vasil's handling of Haradasun, O'Brien said the expensive stallion had too much speed to be tried as a stayer.

Haradasun did not win a race this spring, running a string of places, including two thirds at Group One level in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and the Cox Plate (2040m).

"Our experience sometimes you can stretch a horse's speed a little bit too far and we have done it time and time again," O'Brien said.

"Maybe this horse has done it. He looks like a real class miler. He's going to be a horse we're really going to look forward to training next year."

Former boom horse Haradasun will leave Australia for Ireland in three weeks to be prepared for a Group One debut in England in May.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien, who learned on Sunday he would be the horse's new trainer, said he regarded it as a privilege to have a horse of Haradasun's quality.

"He's a very good horse, I've seen the pace he has," O'Brien said.

"It's a privilege to have a horse like him."

O'Brien said he had long been familiar with Haradasun, having been a part of consultations when Ireland's Coolmore group paid $22.5 million for a 50 per cent share of him.

"We used to watch him all the time on the computer," he said.

"What the horse has is what good horses need to have, he's got speed."

O'Brien wasn't too concerned at Haradasun's loss of form, praising his Melbourne trainer Tony Vasil who has won six races with the four-year-old.

"From what I've seen, the man who trained him has done an excellent job...he's exposed him as much as he could," he said

"Hopefully we won't mess him up."

Haradasun's likely goals will be the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May with the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Both races are run over 1600m at weight-for-age with the Lockinge having been contested three years ago by Haradasun's half-brother Elvstroem.

"We'll take him home and give him a nice long winter break and see how we go," O'Brien said.

Dean

Captain: A title in the Bible for military officers of varying duties and ranks, sometimes translated ‘commander’ or even ‘comptroller

[Nuclear Medicine]

hey guys,

this thing is the real deal I am been on track 3 times to see him win in oz, and he is a very good horse, tho we do call him the trolley wobbler in aus, as he likes to run off the tracks when he looks in cruise control, big tracks are ideal for him.


hope to see him off on a winning note