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Hugo Palmer in bullish mood as Escobar set Newmarket poser

3 minute read

Hugo Palmer has great expectations for Escobar, who puts his unbeaten record on the line in the Group Three Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.

Escobar
Escobar Picture: Media

The son of Famous Name already has a Listed victory under his belt, having lifted the Washington Singer Stakes at Newbury on his second start last month after making a winning debut over the same seven furlongs in July.

"I think, and hope, that Escobar is improving all the time. We have been very pleased with his work and what he shows us at home makes me hopeful of a very big run," said Palmer.

"He is very much a horse for next year and has lots of speed, like most good horses do.

"The dream is that he will make up into a Guineas horse for next season and he is entered in the Derby, too.

"I would love to find ourselves in the position at some point in the future where we need to find out if he stays a mile and a half.

"He is a decent ground horse and I would hate to see it get soft before Thursday."

Ed Walker has high hopes for Ultimate Avenue, who confirmed the promise of his debut third at Yarmouth when making all the running to score in pleasing fashion at Newbury six weeks ago.

"He's a colt we've always thought the world of. He's done everything extremely well at home," the Newmarket trainer told At The Races.

"Ted Durcan gave him a lovely introduction at Yarmouth and that set him up for a comfortable win in what turned out to be a very good maiden at Newbury. There have been plenty of winners come from that race.

"Hopefully he's come on for that. He certainly seems to have done at home.

"Obviously it's a big step up with horses with more experience and very good form in the book.

"He's a really exciting prospect and he's a next year's horse, but I wouldn't be surprised if he ran a big race.

"This will probably be his last run of the year. He's a big boy and very much one for next year. The dream would be for him to win and then dream about another 2000 Guineas over the winter."

Saeed bin Suroor admits Best Solution has more on his plate but feels the step up from six furlongs might eke out further improvement.

The Kodiac colt gave the impression the longer distance would suit as he was putting in his best work at the finish when third in a Listed race in Turkey earlier this month.

"He ran well at Goodwood and did OK again in Turkey," said Bin Suroor.

"He has come back well from his last race. The horse is in good form and is working well.

"I think seven furlongs will suit him but he's up against better horses this time."


At The Races

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