UK: Afsare on course for Betfair Celebration Mile

Trainer Luca Cumani is eyeing a quick return for Afsare in the Group Two Betfair Celebration Mile on Saturday, the second day of Goodwood's August Bank Holiday meeting.

The six-year-old is among 14 confirmations for the £100,000 contest after an effortless six-length success in the Group Three Sovereign Stake over a mile at Salisbury on August 15.

It was his first start over the trip since he captured a Newmarket maiden in May, 2010, but the son of Dubawi has proved himself a top-class performer over longer trips, including when an unlucky second in the Arlington Million over 10 furlongs last year.

Cumani reported on Monday: "Afsare has come out of Salisbury in good form and is likely to run in the Betfair Celebration Mile.

"We had been thinking about running him over a mile for a good while, but unfortunately he refused to go into the stalls at Ascot for the Summer Mile (July 13).

"Luckily, he went into the stalls at Salisbury and it was a good performance.

"The track at Goodwood will be no problem and I will be happy if he runs another nice race."

The 14 confirmations include the David Simcock-trained Trade Storm, who will carry a 3lb penalty, last year's winner Premio Loco and Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes runner-up Thistle Bird.

Also among those going forward is the Aidan O'Brien-trained trio of Most Improved, the impressive winner of last season's St James's Palace Stakes, Jersey Stakes scorer Gale Force Ten and QIPCO 2000 Guineas fifth Cristoforo Columbo.

Saturday's seven-race card at Goodwood gets underway with the £40,000 Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes (2.20pm) over seven furlongs.

The two-year-old contest, in which subsequent triple Group One winner Sky Lantern finished second last year, has attracted 10 contenders headed by course and distance scorer Amazing Maria, Richard Hannon's Group Three Sweet Solera Stakes runner-up Midnite Angel and impressive maiden winner Valen.

Goodwood's Bank Holiday meeting concludes on Sunday, August 25, when the £60,000 Group Three Greene King Supreme Stakes takes centre stage. A total of 20 horses have been entered for the seven-furlong contest, headlined by Group Two winner Penitent and impressive Group Three Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes victor Montiridge.


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