Cup target for Aussie ace
Australian trainer Joe Janiak reports Takeover Target to be in rude health after narrowly failing to pull off a Royal Ascot double.
The seven-year-old won the King’s Stand Stakes at the Berkshire venue on Tuesday but he could not follow in the footsteps of compatriot Choisir, who took both races in 2003.
Takeover Target was beaten two lengths into third by Les Arcs and Janiak said: “He’s good this morning – happy enough in himself.”
The Celtic Swing gelding could try to avenge that defeat as he is set to clash with Les Arcs and runner-up Balthaazar’s Gift again in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket, before heading to Japan.
“The plan now is to stay for the July Cup and then give him a bit of a break,” said Janiak.
“We might look towards the Japanese race (Sprinters Stakes) at Nakayama later in the year then.”
Janiak and Takeover Target have been the subject of huge interest since taking up residence at Geoff Wragg’s yard in Newmarket.
The trainer bought Takeover Target for less than £500 after the horse suffered knee problems and he has since gone on to win three Group One events in Australia and bag nearly £1m in prize money.
“It’s been a great trip. It’s been amazing and I’ve really enjoyed it,” Janiak added.
