Headlines/Archives
Mobile
RSSOld rivals clash at Haydock
Welsh Emperor and Quito, who were separated by a length over course and distance at Haydock last month, are set to clash again in tomorrow’s Sunwin Renault Stakes at the Warrington track.
Quito is stepping back up to his favourite trip of seven furlongs in the Listed contest with trainer David Chapman reporting the gelding to be better than ever despite his relatively advanced age.
The eight-year-old’s five turf outings this season have seen him twice victorious in this sort of company, although he found things happening a bit fast for him over six furlongs at Windsor last week before finishing well to take fourth behind Baltic King.
“It was too quick at Windsor as he lost two lengths at the start and that was it,” said Chapman.
“He got stopped halfway and if they were running over a bit further he would have won.
“He’s still very well and still getting better. The ground should be good, which will be super, and back over seven furlongs I think he will go very well.”
Quito was giving Welsh Emperor 4lb in the Spring Trophy when they last met but the pair carry the same weight tomorrow.
Welsh Emperor subsequently finished third in the Duke Of York Stakes and his handler Tom Tate reported: “He is in great form but I hope that it rains so that the ground is on the soft side of good.
“He must have a chance but when he beat Quito he was getting weight and he has now got a penalty. We are hoping for the best.”
Five other horses line up for a race that used to be known as the John of Gaunt Stakes, headed by John Gosden’s unbeaten-in-two Sleeping Indian and the Godolphin representative Three Graces.
Group-placed Polar Way, recent Goodwood winner Vanderlin and Irish raider Desert Fantasy complete the line-up.
