Noseda relishing George rematch
Jeremy Noseda is eagerly anticipating a potential rematch between Araafa and George Washington in the St James’ Palace Stakes next month.
Araafa gave Noseda his first-ever major Classic success when landing the Group One Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.
The son of Mull Of Kintyre was fourth behind George Washington three weeks earlier in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but reversed that form on very testing ground, coming home strongly under Alan Munro to score by two lengths.
Noseda is now planning for Araafa to again take on George Washington at Royal Ascot on June 20.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with Araafa’s win but now we’ll put our heads down and work towards Royal Ascot,” said Noseda.
“We are looking forward to a rematch there with George Washington.
“It’s 1-1 and we will lock horns with him again in the St James’ Palace Stakes.
“Araafa seems okay this morning. “He is on his way back home and is expected to get back to Newmarket this afternoon,” the Newmarket handler told www.jeremynoseda.co.uk.
Meanwhile, Noseda was today flying out to America ahead of Wilko’s tilt at the Metropolitan Mile at Belmont Park on Monday.
The Awesome Again colt is drawn five of seven for the prestigious Grade One contest and will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux.
Although Wilko’s last victory came in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in October 2004, he produced a really encouraging effort last time out in the Dubai World Cup, finishing third behind Electrocutionist and subsequently promoted to second following runner-up Brass Hat’s disqualification .
Noseda added: “He travelled well and we’ve been happy with him since his arrival in Belmont.
“The only query is: will he be suited by the sharpness of a one-turn mile?
“Against that, I’m hoping that there will be a lot of pace in the race.
“If they go very fast, it might then set up for a ‘closer’ (a horse that comes from off the pace).”
