Cannock Chase team to make late call on Royal Ascot target

A decision as to which race Cannock Chase will contest at Royal Ascot is expected to be made at the last minute.

Cannock Chase winning the Betway Huxley Stakes (Group 3) (For The Tradesman's Cup) Picture: Pat Healy Photography

The five-year-old currently holds entries in both the Prince of Wales's Stakes, in which he finished seventh last year, and the Hardwicke Stakes.

After signing off last season when finishing down the field in the Hong Kong Vase, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Canadian International hero made a winning return to action last month when defying a penalty to land the Huxley Stakes at Chester.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, said: "The plan is to go to Ascot with Cannock Chase for either the Prince of Wales's or the Hardwicke, but it is undecided yet.

"Although he had to give a bit of weight away first time out at Chester, we were very keen on him and hopeful he would run a good race, as he had been working exceptionally well."

While plans remain fluid as to which race Cannock Chase will contest at the showpiece meeting, a tilt at the Coronation Stakes a week on Friday remains on the cards for the John Gosden-trained French 1000 Guineas runner-up Nathra.

Raymond also acts for her owner Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, and said: "I believe that John is aiming her at the Coronation Stakes. Fast ground would be a bit of a worry as she is better with a bit of cut in the ground.

"She ran a terrific race last time out in France and the team are keen to go to Ascot with her."


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