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Racing News |
Sariska In “Great Health” Ahead of Emirates Airline Champion Stakes 13/10/09
Trainer Michael Bell has supplied a positive bulletin about dual Oaks winner Sariska, who is set to give extra lustre to Saturday’s Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes at Newmarket.
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The mile-and-a-quarter Group One has been won in the past by the likes of such greats as Pebbles, Bosra Sham and New Approach and this year’s renewal is shaping up to be another exceptional contest.
Bell is optimistic about the Pivotal filly’s chance in the £376,500 race, but is hoping the ground remains good.
He said: “Sariska is in great health and still has her summer coat so we are very keen to run but the main issue is the ground.
“We would run on good ground but if it were faster than that her participation may be in doubt.
“She seems very well and we were ready to run in the Arc last weekend but unfortunately the ground was too quick.”
Sariska, who triumphed in both the English and Irish Oaks before finishing a gallant second to Dar Re Mi on a fast surface at York last time out, will be partnered by Kieren Fallon for the first time.
Bell added: “Unfortunately, Jamie (Spencer) is banned so Kieren (Fallon) will ride. We were very happy to get him as he is a world-class jockey.
“He has already ridden her and will probably sit on her again this week before the race.
“The race looks as hot as ever with the likes of Fame And Glory an intended runner though my filly hasn’t had a hard campaign and hasn’t done much travelling compared to many of the others.”
The Fitzroy Stables team were recently boosted by the news that Lady Bamford is set to keep her superstar filly in training in 2010.
Bell said: “We are delighted to have her again next year. We will target the major mile and a quarter races when the ground is good or softer.
“I have been lucky with fillies’ having trained the likes of Pass The Peace and Red Evie but she (Sariska) is the best.”
Fellow Newmarket trainer John Gosden could be double-handed in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes if both Pipedreamer and Virtual take their chance.
However, the master of Clarehaven Stables echoed Bell’s concerns about the ground being a little on the quick side for his Cheveley Park Stud-owned duo.
He said: “The ground should be perfect as Saturday will see them racing on a new strip that hasn’t been used since May. We are watching the weather.”
GROUND STILL GOOD AT NEWMARKET
MICHAEL PROSSER, Director of Racing at Newmarket, this afternoon kept the official going description at 'good' after walking the course and finding it in excellent condition.
He said: "The reading on the going stick for the home straight is 7.7 which, in Newmarket terms is spot-on for good ground.
"Between now and racing on Friday there are two weak fronts which each bring the possibility of a light shower. They are tonight into Wednesday morning and also on Friday morning.
"It would be ideal if we received a millimetre or two. If we don't get any rain, then I would consider strategically applying three to four millimetres of water on Thursday to specific areas. But I would have to be as sure as I can be in such circumstances that we wouldn't be getting any rain.
"Outlining the forecast up until the conclusion of racing on Champions' Day, we are expected to stay mainly dry with only light winds.
"I am very happy with the ground as it is at present and, don't forget, Saturday will see us using a fresh strip that has not been raced on since May."
