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John Gosden Expects Romsdal Improvement At Newbury

3 minute read

Romsdal attempts to bounce back to form in the Worthington's Victoria Club Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

Romsdal running in the Investec Derby (Group 1)
Romsdal running in the Investec Derby (Group 1) Picture: Racing and Sports

Registered as the St Simon Stakes, the Group Three was won by Godolphin's Sky Hunter 12 months ago and while Romsdal also represents Sheikh Mohammed's outfit, he is trained by John Gosden.

Since his big run in the King George at Ascot, when third behind Postponed and Eagle Top, the four-year-old colt has struggled to reproduce his best form.

He was last of six in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes and only fourth of eight in the Cumberland Lodge at Ascot.

Gosden views this as the final chance for him to run this season and is looking for a better performance at Newbury.

"It is obviously getting late in the year and so this is the last opportunity for Romsdal to run in England," the Clarehaven handler told www.godolphin.com.

"I am hoping for an improved effort from him on Saturday."

Luca Cumani is looking to end a difficult season on a high with Koora.

His string has been decimated by the decision of owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum to remove his horses but there is no danger of him losing Koora, given she was bred, and is owned, by Fittocks Stud, run by Cumani's wife.

Koora looked a filly with a future when second in the Galtres Stakes and while she was only sixth in the Park Hill at Doncaster, Cumani feels she can be excused that run.

"Koora is very well and is in excellent form. We are going to Newbury hopeful of a go od run," he said.

"I think she just didn't stay last time out in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster. It was two furlongs too far for her and the return to a mile and a half should suit her.

"Ground just on the soft side of good would be best for her. I just hope there is not too much rain as she wouldn't want heavy ground."

Rawaki, Forgotten Hero, Melodious and Moderah are other interesting contenders.


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