James Tate warned that Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) loves red Royal Aclaim there could still be plenty of progress to come as she bids to maintain her undefeated record and give her coach a “special” breakout team success on August 19.
The chubby 3-year-old maintains her impeccable track record with a stunning display in the John Smiths City Stocks listed during the run last month, which saw her shoot at pro-government Nunthorpe, after beating a field including last year’s winner Winter power decrease.
Growing up only 10 miles from Knavesmire in Tadcaster, Tate admits it would be more special to win his first top-flight race at home with his steady star.
She tries to join an elite group of runners to win Nunthorpe, which includes Marsha, Mecca’s Angel, Ortensia, Lochsong and Lyric Fantasy, while six of the last 10 runs have been won by fillings or horses female.
“I grew up near Tadcaster and I’ve seen a lot of Nunthorpe in my day. The first time I saw it was Dayjur winning but I also miss great food like Lyric Fantasy,” he said.
“It totally means the whole world win in group 1, especially with her we can’t pretend otherwise. Fill is usually quick and a high number has won Nunthorpe or run very well. She definitely has the speed to win, and I really hope she can join that illustrious list.”
Tate missed King George Qatar Stakes (G2) at Glorious Goodwood with his daughter Praise went straight to Nunthorpe, and he believes her quest could well be the start of Royal Aclaim’s career at the highest level.
He added: “Things have gone very well so far. She’s had a great preparation and we’re all very excited. Unbeaten after three starts and already ranked 108th is remarkable thing, and she looks like she’s going to improve even more.”
Platinum bid to be Queen of York
Connection of Platinum Queen emphasizes that it’s worth a rift in the company’s 1-year-olds with teens as their stars as she tries to become only the second 2-year-old to win the Nunthorpe of the Century.
Kingsgate Native was the last 2-year-old to beat the oldest in 2007, while Acapulco was runner-up in 2015.
Though a juvenile Nunthorpe winner is a rarity, coach Richard Fahey is undeterred by the task that awaits his speedy daughter. Cotai Glory who broke the junior course record over 5 feathers at Glorious Goodwood in her latest start.
Fahey said: “You don’t often see 2-year-olds in this race, but she was a strong stout – sizeless by any means. She looked beautiful when she won at Goodwood. and get all the allowances, well worth the trip.”
After ties rose to £40,000 to complement the Platinum Queen last Saturday, she is set to race with an 8th 2lb weight, with Hollie Doyle taking over the saddle from regular partner Oisin Orr.
“I’m happy to see she’s at a pretty low price in the bet after we add her. It won’t look good if she’s 20-1 on this game,” Fahey said. .
Highfield Princess targets group 1 Double Delight
Arc Prix winner Maurice de Gheest (G1) Highfield Princess had to wait for last-minute approval for Wednesday’s race, but her contacts believe her Deauville heroes won’t leave their mark.
Highfield Princess wins Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville
The 5-year-old, who has passed her early milestone: 58 at Ayr in September 2020, has enjoyed a remarkable rise through the ranks, including Royal Ascot success and victory in the competition. The Duke of York Clipper’s 1895 Logistics stake (G2) preceded her first win at the top level earlier this month under the lead of Jason Hart.
Although Nunthorpe arrived just 12 days after Deauville, Sean Quinn, Princess Highfield’s assistant coach to John Quinn, believes she came out of the race in top position trying to quickly hit the group with a double.
“She’s perfectly fine,” he said. “We just wanted to wait as late as possible to make sure we were really happy that Deauville didn’t leave a mark on her, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
“She’s in great form and also in standard form, which is always a plus.”
Princess Highfield has yet to win 5 feathers, with her Maurice de Gheest win of 6 1/2 and the Duke of York in 1895 winning over 6, but Quinn reckons the trip At least it won’t cause any problems.
“We need to see if she can handle it against the best five-distance sprinters in the country, especially given her previous races here were over six and seven, respectively, but we felt she should handle the test,” Quinn said.
