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David Lanigan cool on Almodovar Kempton charge

3 minute read

Almodovar is an unlikely runner in the totescoop6 September Stakes at Kempton on Saturday.

Almodovar Picture: Racing and Sports

David Lanigan's lightly-raced four-year-old was last seen down the field in the Juddmonte International but had previously finished a fine third in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Rather than head to Kempton, Almodovar could head to Ayr before returning to Ascot for the Qipco Champion Stakes.

"It's unlikely he'll run at the weekend," said Lanigan.

"There's a race at Ayr on September 15 for him, a Listed race over 10 furlongs (Doonside Cup) where he can run.

"The ground was just too quick for him at York. He showed what he can do when he got his ground at Ascot and we can get him back to that level again.

"He had a bad draw and the ground was too quick. Being a big horse, he wouldn't let himself down on it, so we just put a line through it.

"The Champion Stakes is the race for him. Back at Ascot, you'd imagine the ground won't be any quicker than good.

"He'll be going there pretty fresh as some might be running in the Arc."