Stable News
09-06-2009 Dunlop outlines Ascot team
TRAINER Ed Dunlop will be looking to put the finishing touches to his Royal Ascot team this week ahead of British racing’s premier meeting which begins on June 16.
Dunlop is hoping to run leading light, AQWAAL , who is in search of a four-timer, and could also saddle no less than three in Thursday’s Britannia Handicap (see separate stories).
Among other Ascot ‘probables’ from La Grange is CHANTILLY TIFFANY , a filly who enjoyed much success last season but has been unlucky to this point in 2009.
Dunlop reflected: “Things haven’t fallen right for Chantilly Tiffany so far this season. The ground was too fast for her at Lingfield first time then she got totally stuck in the mud in Ireland last month.
“I am pleased with her and she seems no worse for wear following those races. She could go for the Group 2 Windsor Forest Stakes (on Wednesday June 17).”
Dunlop is hoping that improving handicapper; STONE OF SCONE can run well in either the Wolferton (Listed) handicap or the Duke of Edinburgh handicap.
The son of Pivotal was a fast-finishing third at York last time and had previously won two out of four races.
Dunlop reflected: “We have earmarked Stone of Scone for the Wolferton since his win in a Nottingham handicap in April.
“The race at York didn’t really go to plan but he was finishing like a Ferrari to be third in what was a very hot race. He is very well and would be one of our leading chances.”
He could be joined in that contest by impressive Lingfield winner WASAN who also holds a couple of entries at Ascot.
Also by Pivotol, Wasan has won five of his eight races. His smooth victory in a Lingfield conditions race last month earned him a 9lb hike in the Handicap but Dunlop is confident he can still be competitive.
He said: “I would like to run Wasan in the Wolferton. He seems to have been transformed since his last win and I am very happy with him.
“He also has an entry in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes but a run in either race is completely ground dependent as he doesn’t want it too firm.”
Dunlop is also planning to run his juvenile filly HABAAYIB in either the Queen Mary Stakes or the Albany Stakes.
Sheikh Hamdan’s daughter of Royal Applause has not been seen since winning her maiden in good style at Nottingham on May 8.
Dunlop added: “She was very professional in winning on what was only her second start. I am happy with her and we waited on purpose for Royal Ascot rather than run her before.”
Dunlop’s charge ARABIAN SPIRIT is also a possible for the Royal Hunt Cup.
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