3 minute read

Haydock Group Two ‘suitable’ for Gosden colt

Calyx  may tune up for Royal Ascot in the Armstrong Aggregates Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock.

John Gosden’s colt, who returned from a lengthy absence with a blistering performance in the Commonwealth Cup Trial, is one of seven entries for Saturday’s Group Two.

His previous performance saw him win the Coventry Stakes last June, and through the winter a Guineas bid was in the offing until he proved his immediate future lay over sprinting trips.

“John has been very happy with Calyx since his comeback,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, owner Khalid Abdullah’s racing manager.

“He’s been working nicely since, doing everything well, and this race looks suitable.

“He’s in good form, and we’ve talked about this race since then.”

Calyx is currently 6-4 favourite to win the Commonwealth Cup with most firms.

According to the official ratings, however, he is only 2lb superior to Kevin Ryan’s Hello Youmzain – who was fourth in the Greenham on his return, having won a French Group Two last season.

David O’Meara has entered his prolific winner Leodis Dream, who has met with defeat just once in a six-race career.

Karl Burke’s True Mason is another who showed good form as a juvenile, finishing placed in the Prix Morny and Mill Reef Stakes last season.

Tim Easterby’s Vintage Brut and two fillies, Ed Walker’s Royal Intervention and Michael O’Callaghan’s Angelic Light, complete the list.

Both also have the option of running in the EBF British Stallion Studs Cecil Frail Stakes on the same card.