Dutch Art may swerve 'prep'
Monday 2nd April, 2007
TRAINER Peter Chapple-Hyam has indicated that Dutch Art might head straight to the Stan James 2000 Guineas on May 5 without a ‘prep’ race.
Chapple-Hyam had previously outlined the Greenham Stakes on April 21 as the starting-point for the unbeaten son of Medicean’s 2007 campaign.
But ground conditions might persuade connections to miss the Group 3 at Newbury in favour of a racecourse gallop at Newmarket.
Chapple-Hyam said: “The plan is to either go for the Greenham or, if it looks like being tacky ground at Newbury, we would ask Newmarket if we could give Dutch Art a racecourse gallop during the Craven meeting - and then head straight to the 2000 Guineas with him.”
He was speaking immediately after watching the dual Group-1 winner - and Stan James’ 7-1 second favourite for the mile colt’s Classic - complete a sparkling seven-furlong work-out on March 30.
Dutch Art galloped on Racecourse Side in company with two fellow three-year-old winners and showed an electric turn of foot.
The trio cruised up and as they reached the furlong marker, work-rider Roy Carter asked Dutch Art for a burst of speed and he picked up in grand fashion.
Chapple-Hyam added: “That was the most encouraging piece of work he has done since we started again with him this spring. I couldn’t be happier with him than I am at the moment.”
Written by Tony Rushmer