3 minute read
Lingfield run could set up Al Quoz tilt.
Moss Gill aims to earn himself a trip to sunnier climes with a comeback victory in the Betway Hever Sprint Stakes at Lingfield on Saturday.
The five-year-old ran an excellent race to finish third in the Group One Nunthorpe at York last summer, and already has a return to the Knavesmire pencilled in as a long-term objective.
However, trainer Ed Bethell – who took over the licence from his father James at the turn of the year – is first eyeing a tilt at the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan, providing his stable star can prove his well-being this weekend.
Bethell said: "Moss Gill had a nice winter break and is just ready to start back, with a view to some bigger targets later in the year.
"He has an invitation for the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup Night. If he wins on Saturday, he probably warrants his place in Dubai – whereas, if he doesn't, at least we haven't wasted a trip.
"He's the highest-rated horse in the race, which I thought was going to be the case before the entries came out.
"There are a couple of horses in there that look a little frightening, (but) we've got our horse going there in great form – and I'm really excited about running him.
"It's very much a starting point. Like all the horses I've run since the start of January, they have all needed their first run – and I would imagine he'll be the same."
He added: "The step up in trip would not overly concern me, because he does have form over six furlongs – he was just beaten in a big three-year-old handicap at the July Festival a few years ago, and he seemed to stay well that day.
"I am very fortunate to have a horse like him in my first season. (Owner) Mr Van Cutsem has been kind to keep the horse with us."
Lord Riddiford steps up from handicap company to a Pattern race, but John Quinn's sprinter usually breaks well and has the advantage of being drawn on the inside in stall one.
"He's been in very good form this winter and we're very happy with him. Obviously it's another step up, but he's a contender," said the Malton handler.
"He's in stall one, we're hoping for a good run and hope he wins."
There could be plenty of pace on early as another speedy horse, Ornate, is next door in stall two.
David Griffiths' stable stalwart makes a quick reappearance after finishing fourth of five in a handicap at Southwell on Wednesday.
"The track was very deep the other day and it didn't suit him, but he's come out of the race good," said the Bawtry trainer.
"He's got a good draw at Lingfield. He got beat a nose there a couple of runs back.
"On his day, Ornate is a very good horse. He's in good order with himself and hopefully we can have a good go at it."
The other hopefuls are Robert Cowell's pair of Blue De Vega and Rocket Action and Royal Birth and Belle Anglaise, who both hail from Stuart Williams' yard.
