Melbourne (G1) Cup winning coach David Eustace looks set to bid for a Royal Ascot success that will unite England and Australia in the following joy Coolangatta achieved a gold medal in Flemington’s group 1 putting the future of a famous Australian hero in doubt.
The world’s highest rated sprinter Nature strip so excellent in last year’s King Stand Stakes (G1), having finished in an impressive sixth place in the February 18 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (G1), the winner riding by Jamie Kah will likely be looking for the throne. global stars on the opening day of the royal meeting.
At the other end of the meeting, the second powerful closing Lightning I wish I won is a possible Platinum (G1) Jubilee Share for Peter Moody and Luke Nolen, the trainer and jockey who claimed a major victory in the same performance with black caviar 11 years ago. In addition, the straight line expert Roch ‘n’ Horsewho did not run on Saturday, is being considered for an Australian Ascot team that could also include hero Cox Plate (G1) Anamoe and his stable companion Godolphin secret.
As for the Eustace English export, Flemington has been particularly kind in recent months, with golden trip raised Australia’s greatest race in November. With training partner Ciaron Maher returning home from a holiday in the US, Eustace said it all after Coolangatta’s second Group 1 strike.
“I’m sure we can meet you there,” Eustace said when Nick Smith, Ascot’s racing director, approached him and asked about holding a royal meeting.
“Royal Ascot is ambitious,” Eustace confirmed. “Ciaran and I would love to do that. We’ve always wanted to have international runners and the ownership team would certainly be interested as well.
“She’s only going to get better and if we decide to go to Ascot, everything will work towards that. Going to Ascot will be a dream—and for me, that will be even more special.”
The mood was living in that dream. He could live again with I Wish I Win, who raked in £2.83million in relationships when he won the Golden Eagle in October.
“A climb to 1,200 at Ascot would be an ideal scenario for him,” said Moody. “I’ll take him anywhere in the world from 1,200 meters to a mile if you can guarantee a solid path—but I’ll get my money back if it rains!
“He’s a very good runner and a very good horse. Luke got off the wagon and told him which one he rode faster. Guess which one.”
Nature Strip wins Kings Stand Stakes 2022 in Royal Ascot
The Nature Strip, a champion often equipped with dizzying acceleration, was never able to make its mark in the competition and languished to sixth place at the hands of James McDonald, having taken the lead. a long distance.
Coach Chris Waller, who isn’t inclined to announce his retirement from the Nature Strip, said: “He’s switched legs a few times and that usually tells you he’s getting a feel for the ground.
“He’s a very consistent horse, but today he’s clearly down 5% to 10% to the best of his ability. Our job is to find that 5% to 10% and move on. carry on his next race with the same confidence we did today. If we find the problem it will be over, but today we don’t think so anymore.”
On a glorious summer afternoon in Flemington, Eustace offers just one of three reasons for British racing fans to celebrate. Matt Cumani was fired The pinnacle of Nobel to win a handicap, while former BBC commentator Jim McGrath watched his silks be brought to glory as he progressed D’Jumbuckcoached by his son, Brian, went home in the finale.
