Eustace confident of War Artist's chances in York
War Artist could be seen in action once more before heading to York for a crack at the six-furlong Duke of York Hearthstead Homes Stakes on May 14.
The Group One-winning South African import delighted trainer James Eustace when chasing home Jack Sullivan on his British debut earlier in the month.
Eustace said: “He ran really well at Wolverhampton and we were delighted with him there, it was his first run for a long time and his first run on the Polytrack.
“We thought about looking at the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday but it looks like being heavy ground and we didn’t want to expose him to that at this stage.
“Our main target is the Duke Of York Stakes. His style of racing suggests he’d stay a mile later on as he’s a very relaxed horse but Wolverhampton helped us make a plan.
“I think he’d settle and he has a turn of foot, but Ryan (Moore) thinks we’d be better off sticking to sprinting or at least to seven furlongs for now.”
Eustace will also mull sending his talented new recruit to Newmarket next month en route to the Knavesmire in May.
“It’s possible he’d run before in the Abernant Stakes but he’ll get a 10lb penalty, which is hefty and the Abernant will be a strong race,” the trainer explained.
“If he’s in great form and we feel he needs a run he’ll go there before York. I think he’ll certainly come on a lot for his Wolverhampton run.
“He’s a very nice horse and it’s exciting to have him in the yard, he’s a nice character and a good horse to train too.”
