Despite it's prestigious honor roll, The Curragh's G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup has come under scrutiny from the European Pattern Committee of late, and the exclusion of Ireland's most exciting older horse, Free Eagle (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}), from the latest renewal serves as a body blow. Thankfully, The Grey Gatsby (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) is on hand to add vital bolster to Sunday's edition, and add more luster to the fairytale for small-time owner Frank Gillespie. When the smart but seemingly exposed grey caused an upset in York's G2 Dante S. in May, it was viewed as something of an aberration, but after his emphatic follow-up success in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly at the start of June, he he had to be taken more seriously. It was only when beating Australia (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in Leopardstown's G1 Irish Champion S. in September that the grey ensured his place at the top table. Second to Solow (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) in the nine-furlong G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan Mar. 28, the grey is reported nearer to his peak condition by trainer Kevin Ryan.
“We didn't go to Dubai all guns blazing and he hadn't come in his coat,” he told PA Sport. “Coming back in trip wasn't going to be ideal on a sharp track, but the horse took no harm. The 10 days out there did him good. It helped his coat to progress and he enjoyed it. We have him in good shape and we've left a bit on him to go to Ascot. The Curragh will suit him. It's a big, galloping track and hopefully he'll get some pace in the race.”
Two years on from his first top-level success in this, John Deer's Al Kazeem (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is back seeking a fourth in this sphere. Second to Noble Mission (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G1 Champion S. at Ascot in October and to Cirrus des Aigles (Fr) (Even Top {Ire}) in the May 3 G1 Prix Ganay at Longchamp, the 7-year-old is close to coming full circle since re-entering training with Roger Charlton after his failed stint at stud. “He looks great and is finally getting his summer coat,” his conditioner said. “He looks big and burly, but that's how he is and he does as much work as I give him. I took him to Newbury on Sunday to work and he seems fine. He's taking on children, compared to him, and they are improving but I imagine he'll run very well.”
One of the “children” that Charlton is referring to is Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Postponed (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who excited when dominating the G2 Great Voltigeur S. at York over 12 furlongs and who made a satisfactory return when second in the G3 Gordon Richards S. over a quarter mile shorter at Sandown last time Apr. 24.
“Postponed is very well; I've been very happy with him,” trainer Luca Cumani told PA Sport. “I hope the ground is suitable. He's a much better horse when it is good or faster, but I understand it is supposed to dry out as the weekend goes on.”
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