Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Dominant For York?
Dominant could take on his elders for the first time in the Group Two Sky Bet York Stakes at the Knavesmire on Saturday.
The progressive three-year-old colt, trained by Roger Varian, is stepping up into Group Two company after landing a big pot in the £150,000 Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Cup at Newmarket last month.
Harry Herbert, managing director of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: "The choice regarding Dominant is between the Sky Bet York Stakes or the Prix Eugene Adam at Maisons-Laffitte (on Sunday) which is for three-year-olds only.
"We want to have a look at both races before we make a decision.
"We feel that the horse is ready to move into Pattern company. He is working very well and he seems to be thriving. We just want to compare notes on the race, look at the other entries and see where we stand. We will run him in the spot we feel he has the best chance.
"We are seriously considering York but we will probably know for sure on Wednesday. He is definitely of a rating now that says he should be running in a race like the Sky Bet York Stakes, or indeed the contest at Maisons-Laffitte.
"I am not overly fussed about the ground. It was very quick ground at Newbury when he ran badly but in fact he wasn't right after the race - his blood was wrong.
"I don't think ground is a huge issue for him and we think he will handle any going, which is a bonus. We will get to the next stage and then see what happens but we think he is a very important horse and one that will be able to go to war at Pattern level."
A 15-strong entry for the York contest also includes Group One winners Twice Over, Campanologist and Cavalryman.