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Ancestry out to enhance Valley record

3 minute read

Ancestry could chase bigger riches at The Valley if he performs well in the Carlyon Stakes.

ANCESTRY.
ANCESTRY. Picture: Colin Bull / Sportpix

Phillip Stokes is banking on the unbeaten record of Ancestry at The Valley as being beneficial to the chances of the sprinter in his first-up run from a spell. 

Ancestry makes his return in the Listed Carylon Stakes (1000m), the first time the sprinter has run over the trip. 

The five-year-old son of The Brothers War has raced at The Valley three times, for two wins at 1200m and once over 955m and on each occasion he has run his rivals into the ground. 

"That is probably one of the main things, he does love that track, so that is why we will be targeting his campaign around The Valley," Stokes said. 

But Stokes is not expecting Ancestry to have things all his own way on Saturday, although the scratching of Sydney galloper Spaceboy has made the job slightly easier. 

"I think he's come up good and he's shown me all the right signs," Stokes said. 

"He looks like he's come back a bit stronger this time around. 

"Last prep he went from Benchmark races to Group races carrying weight, but in saying that it looks a high-pressure race and sometimes with those sorts of horses, if they don't get their own way in front, they can be disappointing. 

"Hopefully he can jump and dictate." 

Stokes said Saturday's performance will determine in which direction Ancestry will head. 

In the back of the trainer's mind is the geldings record at The Valley and Stokes is considering the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at the return of night of The Valley night racing season on September 24. 

But Stokes won't be tied to keeping Ancestry too such a short course as what he's running over on Saturday. 

"If he's good enough we'll give him his chance in the Moir," Stokes said. 

"We'll 'live the dream', otherwise we'll look to other races and give him his chance in those. 

"While he is a sprinter, he does get 1200 metres, but it's all tempo related, but I wouldn't like to go any further than that." 


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