Dual Group 1 winner The Grey Gatsby (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) will begin his 5-year-old campaign in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh May 22, according to trainer Kevin Ryan. The Grey Gatsby took the G1 Prix du Jockey Club two years ago before besting dual Derby winner Australia (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G1 Irish Champion S., but the Frank Gillespie silkbearer failed to win in six tries last year. He ran some credible races in defeat, however, placing in four Group 1s and missing the G1 Prince Of Wales's S. at Royal Ascot by a short head.
“He is in good form and we are looking to start him in Ireland,” said Ryan. “From Ascot onwards there is a Group 1 every month for him. I would love to take him to the Breeders' Cup at the end of the year, all being well.”
The Grey Gatsby also finished second to Solow (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) in last year's G1 Dubai Turf, an event he sat out this year.
“It was great being in Dubai last year as it was a great occasion, but starting him that bit later gives us a better chance to get him right for the end of the year,” Ryan explained. “He will have two options at Ascot: the [G2] Hardwicke and the mile and quarter race [G1 Prince of Wales's]. We will make our minds up after Ireland, but if we don't go there we will keep options open. He has not lost his speed but we would like to step him up at some stage. This will be his last year.”
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