A pair of Guineas contenders partook in racecourse gallops at Newmarket Tuesday, but for Galileo Gold (GB) (Paco Boy {GB}), there is still uncertainty as to which Guineas he will contest. Galileo Gold won three of his five outings last year for Al Shaqab Racing and trainer Hugo Palmer, including the G2 Vintage S., and wrapped up his 2-year-old campaign with a third-place finish in the G1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. Galileo Gold galloped Tuesday under race rider Frankie Dettori, and was eight lengths clear of workmate Strong Steps (GB) (Aqlaam {GB}) on the line.
“He looked good and the whole point of it was to make him feel pretty special,” said Palmer. “The horse will go home really believing in himself, which is what we want. The last time Frankie was on him they got beat and it's important they believe in each other.”
Palmer added that Galileo Gold would remain engaged in both the British and French Guineas–Apr. 30 and May 15, respectively–with his preferred softer going more likely to materialize in France.
G1 Dewhurst S. -second Massaat (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), who will make his first start for new trainer Owen Burrows in the Guineas, galloped under jockey Paul Hanagan.
“He had a nice blowout there and he was ready for that,” said Burrows of the Shadwell colourbearer. “It's got to be all systems go for the Guineas now. Paul said he had a nice blow, but that the ground might have been a touch too soft for him, but he was pleased.”
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