3 minute read

A short break after his first defeat in the Group 3 Saas Fee Stakes (1200m) seems to have proven beneficial to Field Marshal.

The exciting prospect by Sweet Orange reeled off three wins on the trot last year only to see the unbeaten run halted at that first stab at feature glory on November 10.

Trainer Ricardo Le Grange, whose second Saas Fee Stakes runner Rocket Star produced a much better performance in third place to the unbeaten Inferno, said he was not too downhearted by Field Marshal 's unplaced run.

"He had the top weight in the Saas Fee and it was hard for him. It was still a good run from him," said the South African horseman.

"He had a nice break after the Saas Fee. We have a nice programme for him going towards the 3YO series (Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge in June), and I think he will get the 1400m and the mile.

"He's still got a bit more to grow as there is not a lot of him. We may have found a race for him next week, but nothing's confirmed yet.

"This morning, Michael Rodd trialled him and it was a nice hit-out."

The Australian hoop, who is booked to partner the Middle Kingdom Stable-owned chestnut at that next outing, did some work to keep him posted three wide before collaring leader I Am The Star (Vlad Duric) and So Hi Class (Louis-Philippe Beuzelin) to score by three-quarter length.

"He's a nice little horse and I was happy with his run this morning," said Rodd who opened his 2020 account with Gold Kingdom for main supporter Cliff Brown on Wednesday.

"We all know he has a great record and Ricardo has done a great job with him. Can't wait to ride him next week."