Lumiere (Ire) (Shamardal) and Buratino (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) are both set to return to sprinting at Royal Ascot after finishing off the board in the G1 1000 Guineas and G1 2000 Guineas, respectively, for Godolphin and trainer Mark Johnston.
Last year's G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Lumiere was sent off second-choice for the 1000 Guineas, but faded early to finish last, and Godolphin Racing Manager and Chief Executive John Ferguson said, “We feel she should go back to where we know she has excelled, and that is over a sprint distance. She will be entered for the G1 Commonwealth Cup, and probably also the [G1] Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot.”
Buratino, who faded late to be ninth in the 2000 Guineas, will also target the Commonwealth. He won last year's G2 Coventry S. at Royal Ascot over the same course and distance, beating 2-year-old champion and beaten Guineas favourite Air Force Blue (War Front).
The Richard Fahey-trained Ribchester (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) put in a much better showing for Godolphin in the 2000 Guineas, finishing third, and he will be pointed towards the G1 St James's Palace S. at the Royal meeting.
“Ribchester has run really well for his third, and we are all delighted,” Ferguson said. “Richard would like to give him a little break now before coming back for Ascot.”
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