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Global Spectrum to test Classic aspirations in Craven Stakes


Global Spectrum could put his QIPCO 2000 Guineas credentials on the line in next week’s Group Three bet365 Craven Stakes at Newmarket.

Purchased at last year’s Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale for 130,000 guineas by agent Charlie Gordon-Watson from Church Farm & Horse Park Stud, the son of Dutch Art owned by Dr Johnny Hon is unbeaten in all his three starts, and trainer Gay Kelleway is thrilled with his current work at home.

"He is in rude health. I wish there was a race sooner than later. The trials don’t come soon enough," she told Tattersalls. "He is in the French trial, but I am not that keen about taking him to France for a trial. I am happy to run him in the French Guineas, but my concern would be no runners. It would be typical of that sort of race. There will be five or six runners and no pace.

"I think he wants a genuine gallop. Every race he has run in there has been no less than 15 runners. There has always been a full field and plenty of pace. I don’t want him to be doing all the donkey work and to get caught out.

"He could go to Newcastle for the £100,000 [Burradon Stakes]. Gronkowski won it last year and he was second in the Dubai World Cup! I am though tipping more towards the Craven. It could be a good start for him. It’s down the road; and you never know what Godolphin may have but it could be the softest option out of the three."

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Kelleway will be hoping her three-year-old can secure some top prizes this season. The winner of the Group Two Al Biddah Mile in Doha earlier this year, Global Spectrum could follow a similar path to Tip Two Win, who also won in Doha before finishing runner up in last year’s QIPCO 2000 Guineas.

"Global Spectrum is probably the best horse I’ve had since Sorbie Tower who was a very good horse. He was rated a 121 and I think this horse is as good, if not better than him," the trainer added.

Tim Hide, Dr Johnny Hon’s Racing Manager, is also hoping the colt can improve on recent performances, adding; “It’s been fantastic to see him progress under Gay and Gerald Mosse’s guidance. The progress he’s made has been quite phenomenal and we still think there is plenty in the locker.

"He’s got more professional with every race and in his work at home; when he comes upsides a horse, he puts his head down and he wants to go do it and go clear. He knows he is a racehorse. His attitude is fantastic."

Dr Johnny Hon and his team have been enjoying a great start to the season. Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale graduate, Global Prospector, made an eye-catching winning debut on the All Weather at Wolverhampton Racecourse last month.

“Dr Hon also purchased the top lot from the first day of the Craven Sale last year, a horse called Global Prospector; a Scat Daddy colt out of Alegendinmyownmind. He won recently at Wolverhampton very impressively. He is going to be brought along slowly but we think that he is going to progress into a very nice type. We are quietly excited about him.”

  • The ‘breeze’ for the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale takes place from 9:30am on Monday 15 April and will be shown live on Racing TV. The Craven Breeze Up Sale, which takes place after racing on April 16 and 17, is Europe’s Premier Breeze Up Sale, and features 147 two-year-olds. All 147 lots are eligible for the new £15,000 Craven Breeze Up Bonus which is exclusively for horses purchased at the 2019 Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale.

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