Sunday, 29 May 2011
Beverley Review
Gabrial worked hard to maintain his 100% record in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two Year Old Trophy Conditions Stakes at Beverley and could be heading for Royal Ascot.
A Chester winner on his debut, the Richard Fahey-trained youngster took some time to get into top gear, but eventually pulled out all the stops for champion jockey Paul Hanagan, who did not require maximum effort.
Gabrial, the 6-5 favourite, wore down long-time leader Cravat in the final half-furlong to score by half a length, with Hamza third and the other two other runners not far behind.
Fahey's assistant, Robin O'Ryan, said: "They didn't go very quick, so it was a good effort as he probably needs a faster pace. It's a bonus him winning over five furlongs as Paul and Richard are both emphatic he needs six.
"He might go for the Coventry Stakes but Marwan (Koukash, owner) has another runner for that race (Gatepost) so we'll have to discuss it."
Hanagan was in double form as John Quinn's Violent Velocity (2-1 favourite) scampered clear in the Pre-Order Your Champagne Picnic Platters Handicap.
Mark Johnston is also considering sending Es Que Love to Royal Ascot following his easy victory in the julie-burke.co.uk Median Auction Maiden Stakes.
Silvestre de Sousa's mount was soon in the lead, despite having been drawn wide, and galloped three and a quarter lengths clear of Kool Henry.
Johnston said of the 6-5 favourite: "Silvestre said he'd be even better over five furlongs on an easier track. He would be up to running at Royal Ascot, but he's a horse who is crying out for more time. He's still a baby, but is pretty fast."
Tribal Myth (100-30 co-favourite) took the It's Graham Hallett's Birthday Handicap, requiring a strong ride from 5lb claimer Julie Burke to repel the fast-finishing Nolecce by a neck on the far rail.