Gidu a Royal Ascot Possibility

Zayat Stables' 'TDN Rising Star' Gidu (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), last-out winner of the Columbia S. at Tampa Mar. 10 (video), could make his next start in the $150,000 GIII Kentucky Utilities Transylvania S. on opening day of the Keeneland spring meet Apr. 6.

But from there, the goals could get significantly loftier as the Zayats are in receipt of an invitation for the six-furlong G1 Commonwealth Cup at the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting, and they are “pretty serious” about accepting the challenge, according to racing manager Justin Zayat.

“I saw that race on the calendar earlier in the year and I thought it could be potentially interesting,” Zayat said. “Why wouldn't we take a chance? He's doing well and if we feel we have a good shot, why not? Where can you find a race like that for a 3-year-old turf colt? Imagine if he wins that race, being by Frankel with a huge pedigree, he'd have stallion appeal all over the world.

He continued, “We haven't really spoken in any detail about it [with trainer Todd Pletcher], but I don't really see anything else on the calendar, unless I need to take on older horses, so why not? You can always bring him back home and freshen him up for later in the year. We'll take it race by race, but I can tell you that we are very seriously considering that race.”

Accorded 'Rising Star' status off a five-furlong graduation at Gulfstream in late December (video), the €410,000 Arqana August yearling purchase was tagged late by fellow 'Rising Star' Speed Franco (Declaration of War) and finished second after setting a pressured pace in the Feb. 3 Dania Beach S. (video). He showed a different dimension in the Columbia, even if that's not how connections drew it up.

“We have seen him progress in every one of his races,” Zayat commented. “In the Dania Beach, he kept galloping out, which gave us an indication that a mile is within his scope and that was good to see. At Tampa it was a little bit different. I thought we would be on the lead that day, but once that longshot decided to be in front of us, it was a bit of a blessing. [Jockey] Johnny [Velazquez] was able to ease him back, even if he wasn't switched off totally. He still is a little keen, but he's a horse whose speed is always going to be a weapon at the end of the day. He feels like that kind of horse who is going to be able to throw down :22 and :45 and kick on, I really think he can be an exceptional miler.”

Despite having proved himself over eight panels, Gidu will be suited by the stiff six-furlong trip of the Commonwealth Cup, Zayat believes.

“That straight six furlongs at Ascot is much more like seven or 7 1/2, up the hill. That feels like that will hit him right between the eyes,” he said.

The possibility of taking part in a race at the Royal meeting is something the Zayat team would greatly look forward to.

“It's always been a dream of mine to go, but maybe this will be my excuse to finally go over there,” he said. “If the horse is doing well, why not go?”