Ribchester (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) is giving trainer Richard Fahey all the right signals ahead of his next target, the G1 QIPCO Queen Elizabeth II S. at Ascot, on Saturday week. The 3-year-old justified Fahey's faith in him by gaining that important Group 1 win when beating Vadamos (Fr) (Monsun {Ger}) in the G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville in August and Fahey is hoping for more of the same at Ascot.
“We're very happy with him and everything has gone smoothly,” reported the Malton trainer.
The Godolphin colt made his seasonal debut at Maison-Laffitte Apr. 7 when finishing second, but was subsequently demoted to fifth in the G3 Prix Djebel and Fahey is conscious of it being a long season for a 3-year-old.
“I suppose in the back of your mind you would be a little bit worried he has been on the go a long time, but he is showing no signs of that being the case. You never know at this time of year until they run, they do tend to lose their coats up here quicker than down south. But we have had horses winning who have gone in their coats.”
What Fahey is in no doubt about however is the quality of his colt and that he has the ability to win the race.
“You'd have to say he's the classiest horse I've trained so far, and I don't often say this but I think the bookies have it right with him as favourite,” he added.
Ribchester could again lock horns at Ascot with the likes of Galileo Gold (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}) and Awtaad (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) while Minding (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is also another intriguing potential challenger.
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