Stable News
21-07-2009 Fingers crossed for latest La Grange hopes
TRAINER Ed Dunlop hopes to add to his successes this season when he sends out a number of runners this week.
On Friday a two-year old filly called MONTELISSIMA is set to make her racecourse debut in a 7f maiden at Folkestone.
Dunlop said of the daughter of Montjeu: “She is a nice filly who goes quite well at home.
“Frankie Dettori will ride her but she may find it hard as there are more experienced rivals in the field.”
On the same day LAST THREE MINUTES could also be in action at Ascot .
The son of Val Royal has been unlucky in his last two runs at Newmarket and York and connections have fingers crossed that he can get his head back in front.
Dunlop added: “He could run in the mile and a quarter handicap at Ascot but if not he also has an engagement in a handicap on the opening day of Glorious Goowood.”
Dunlop is also keeping options open for his 2008 Victoria Cup second, AL KHALEEJ.
The son of Sakhee has not been seen since that effort last May and had to be withdrawn from his comeback in the Bunbury Cup two weeks ago due to drying ground.
His trainer said: “We ducked Newmarket because the ground had dried out too much.
“If the rain comes he could contest the Abu Dhabi International at Ascot or the Sky Bet Dash at York.
“If not he also holds an entry in the Steward’s Cup at Glorious Goodwood, so we may wait for that.”
Dunlop will also keep a close eye on the weather regarding DERBAAS who also requires cut in the ground.
Sheikh Hamdan’s colt might either line up in a mile handicap at Ascot or the Pomfret Stakes at Pontefract on Sunday.
The La Grange team are hoping that the ground at Newmarket is good so that BROOMIELAW can make his first racecourse appearance for nearly two years.
Dunlop said: “We have always held him in high regard and that’s why we have persevered with him. If the ground is good he may reappear in a mile and a quarter handicap at Newmarket.”
Saturday’s Newbury winner, KING CHARLES, could be set for a quick return to action if he contests the valuable Classified race at Ascot on Sunday.
Britannia Stakes hero FAREER, who holds an entry in both the Abu Dhabi International and the mile handicap, looks unlikely to fulfil either of these engagements.
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