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Marco Botti thinks Bahamas can shine in Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot

3 minute read

At the end of a week when temperatures in Britain have soared, Bahamas would be a topical winner of the Wooldridge Group Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The Listed contest, better known as the Winkfield Stakes, will for the first time be run in memory of the all-time great jockey following his death last November. A plaque in Eddery's honour will also be unveiled in front of his family before racing.

A strong field of nine, eight of which are previous winners, is set to tackle the seven furlongs, including the Marco Botti-trained Bahamas.

The Rip Van Winkle colt beat subsequent York scorer Timeless Flight on his Doncaster debut last month and Botti is looking forward to testing his powers in a higher grade, with Ryan Moore taking the ride.

"He won nicely at Doncaster. When you've won a maiden you're never sure how good the form is, but it seems to be working out quite well," said the Newmarket-based Italian.

"He is a horse we like, seven furlongs is his trip and he's going the right way.

"We have a good jockey and I don't think the ground will bother him.

"He's working well at home and we think he will run a good race.

"Whether he is up to winning a race like this, we will find out on Saturday."

Mark Johnston fires a twin assault, with stable jockey Joe Fanning siding with Monticello over Frankuus.

Monticello has claimed victory on each of his starts at Sandown and Musselburgh.

Frankel colt Frankuus, the mount of Richard Kingscote, won on his introduction at Haydock before finishing fifth in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Charlie Johnston, assistant to his father, said: " They are two very nice horses who were both under consideration for the Superlative at Newmarket earlier in the month and the Vintage at Goodwood next week.

"We just felt with we'd rather climb the ladder one step at a time, rather than going up to Group Two level.

"Both us and Joe feel they are very hard to split. Frankuus has obviously run in much better company than Monticello and ran a good race at Royal Ascot.

"That was only his second start. He was still green and there is no reason why he shouldn't take another step forward.

"Monticello has not beaten a huge amount, but was very impressive at Musselburgh and I know he's a horse Joe has always thought a lot of.

"It's a bit of a shame they're running against each other as they are two very good two-year-olds."

Impressive Newmarket winner Dubai Hero has also been declared by the Godolphin operation.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor told www.godolphin.com: "Dubai Hero continues in form and I am looking forward to seeing another good run. He's a nice colt and is ready to go again."


At The Races

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