Traditionalists will tell you that the 2000 Guineas is the best trial for the Derby, and NATIVE KHAN enhanced his Epsom (or possibly Chantilly) claims when running a terrific race to finish third to wonder horse Frankel in the season's first classic at Newmarket on Saturday.
While Ed joined everyone else on the Rowley Mile in standing back in awe as Frankel destroyed the opposition before half-way, he was "chuffed to bits" with the way in which Native Khan stayed on for minor honours.
Ed said:"We were 11 lengths clear of the rest over a distance which is too short for us. You can take it as read that Native Khan won't be running over a mile again, and either our Derby or the Prix du Jockey-Club will be his next race. He came out of the race in great shape and did not lose too much weight, and, while he would be eligible for the breeders premium if we went to Chantilly, I favour Epsom for obvious reasons, especially now that it looks as if Frankel will be sticking to a mile."
"Winning the Oaks at Epsom with Ouija Board was one of the biggest thrills that I have had in racing, and then we went back there and did it again with Snow Fairy last year, so it would be really special if we could win the Derby with Native Khan."
"However, I have always said that Native Khan's programme will be determined by the ground. He is too good a mover to operate on the soft, and as he will definitely not be having a prep-race we don't have to make an early decision. We will sit down with the owners nearer the time and decide which route to take."
"It was a privilege to be a part of Saturday's Guineas and if we could not win I am glad that Henry (Cecil) did. He is back where he belongs, at the top of the tree, and what a brave front-running ride from Tom Queally. I am just pleased that he looks like staying at a mile, which means that we won't have to cross swords with him again."