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Glorious Goodwood 2013 |
Goldie Considering Ambitious Ascot-Goodwood Double for Hawkeyethenoo 22/07/13
Last year's Stewards' Cup hero Hawkeyethenoo is on course to defend his crown with trainer Jim Goldie eyeing another major prize at Ascot this weekend en route to the famous six-furlong heritage handicap at Glorious Goodwood on Saturday, August 3.
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The seven-year-old was seventh in the Cash Out Multiples Only On Betfair International over seven furlongs at Ascot last year before gaining a thrilling nose verdict over Imperial Guest in the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood two weeks later.
He may line up in both £100,000 races once again this year, despite a gap of just seven days between the fiercely competitive handicaps.
Hawkeyethenoo has established himself as one of Britain's leading sprinters, finishing fifth in Newmarket's Group One July Cup and filling the runner-up spot in the Group Two QIPCO British Champions Sprint at Ascot last season.
He was fourth behind Group One winners Society Rock, Lethal Force and Gordon Lord Byron on his seasonal return in a Group Two at York in May before coming home sixth in the Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 22.
On his latest outing, Hawkeyethenoo faded to fifth in the Group Three bet365 Criterion Stakes over seven furlongs at Newmarket on June 29.
Scottish-based Goldie revealed: "Hawkeyethenoo is set to run at Ascot on Saturday and could then head to Goodwood. There's only a week between the two races this year and it depends on how he comes out of Ascot, but he could run in both again.
"I think that he was probably feeling the effects or Royal Ascot when he ran in the Criterion Stakes but he is coming back to form now. He prefers a bit of cut in the ground but he has never run a bad race at Ascot and the hill there plays to his strengths.
"He proved on his seasonal return at York that he deserves his current handicap mark and, if he reproduces the form he showed on Champions Day last year, he will be hard to beat at Ascot.
"It's debatable whether he can give weight to potential Group horses but he won the Stewards' Cup off top-weight last year and it is interesting that he will not have the same burden in the race this time if Hoof It turns up."
Hawkeyethenoo has been allotted 9st 8lb for the Stewards' Cup and would receive weight from the 2011 victor Hoof It (9st 12lb) as well as the Kevin Ryan-trained pair of York Glory, (9st 9lb) who captured the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot, and recent Group Three runner-up Hamza (9st 9lb).
About Glorious Goodwood
The five-day festival this year runs from Tuesday, July 30 until Saturday, August 3 and is certain to be the highlight of the season. It is the perfect place to enjoy everything that is British and sums up what summer should be. It is the place to be and be seen. The fashion is elegant and floaty, Goodwood heritage with a dash of panache. Ladies and Gentleman dress in the latest fashions and gather shade from their hats and Panamas.
The meeting, held at the most beautiful racecourse, has always attracted the very best performers from the international world of horseracing such as Frankel, who graced the Downs for the last two years to the delight of racegoers who come from far and wide to experience the unique atmosphere.
