IT MIGHT not be the Group One prize that he was bought for, but Kite Wood can reward Sheikh Mohammed’s investment with another Godolphin success in today’s Ascot Gold Cup.
The Dubai-based organisation has won the Royal showpiece with Papineau (2004), Kayf Tara (1998 2000) and Classic Cliché (1988 89). Sheikh Mohammed also saw his own colours carried to victory by Sadeem in both 1988 and 1989. Today the “Boys in Blue” depend on the Cesarewitch winner Darley Sun and Frankie Dettori’s selection Kite Wood who at the start of 2009 was bought by the Sheikh for a reported €6 million.
The Epsom Derby was the target and although Kite Wood made the blue riband, all he got was a distant rear view of Sea The Stars. Not up to that class, the son of Galileo nevertheless progressed through last season, ending up second in the Leger.
The Ballydoyle team rely on Age Of Aquarius who came up half a length short of Dermot Weld’s Profound Beauty in the Savel Beg last time out. Weld throws an unknown quantity into the pot in Rite Of Passage who may be best known on the National Hunt front.
Ask brings top class middle distance form to the Gold Cup in the manner that Yeats did in 2006, but, on balance, Kite Wood’s credentials look the most solid.
Nine Irish-trained runners are scheduled to line up on Day Three at Ascot including the Ballydoyle pair, Awe Inspiring and Cabaret, in the Ribblesdale Stakes.
Both were in rear in the Epsom Oaks and this is a race that usually rewards a relatively low-profile filly on the upgrade, a category that Principal Role looks to fill.
Henry Cecil’s runner has just a short head in hand of Fatanah on Newbury running but as a daughter of Empire Maker should appreciate the step up to a mile and a half.
Emperor Hadrian flies Ballydoyle’s flag in an ultra-competitive looking Norfolk but the Leicester winner Little Lion Man could be best value in the Group Two.
