Wednesday 4th March 2009
Head mulling cross-Channel raid
Trainer Jim Bolger planning 2000 Guineas return for Darley Dewhurst Stakes hero Intense Focus
NAAQOOS is on target in his bid to become the first French winner of the Stan James 2000 Guineas since Pennekamp, who landed the Classic in 1995 for Andre Fabre.
Trainer Freddie Head is happy with the condition of his Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere-winning Naaqoos after today handing him an entry for Saturday May 2’s contest at Newmarket.
Head said: “The plan at the moment is for him to go to Newmarket.
“He’s done very well over the winter and I am very happy with him. He was already a big horse last year with a long stride but he has grown since then and he’s beautiful at the moment.
“I think that we will give him a trial in France at the end of March or the beginning of April and the Prix Djebel at Maison-Laffitte (April 10) is my preferred race as things stand.
“We will see how he gets on before making a final decision between the Stan James 2000 Guineas and the French alternative.”
One horse who appears to be bang on course for the first domestic Classic of 2009 is Intense Focus, thrilling winner of last autumn’s Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
His trainer Jim Bolger said: “Intense Focus has done very well since his Dewhurst success and is currently taking everything in his stride. He seems to be on target for the Guineas and a decision will be made later as to whether he will have a trial or not.”
Fellow course winner Evasive is a scheduled Stan James 2000 Guineas runner, as well.
Sir Michael Stoute, a five-time winner of the 2000 Guineas, said: “Evasive has made satisfactory physical progress and is entered for the 2000 Guineas. We will decide nearer the time whether we give him a prep race.”
Tony Rushmer
