Hawkeyethenoo sets sights on Ayr

Published on 06/08/2012 03:15

Hawkeyethenoo could contest both the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock and the Ayr Gold Cup next month following his Goodwood victory on Saturday.

The six-year-old bagged the major prize his consistency deserved when holding on in a thrilling Blue Square Bet Stewards’ Cup under Graham Lee.

Trainer Jim Goldie is pleased to report his charge has arrived back at his Glasgow base none the worse and, as a proud Scot, he admits the Ayr Gold Cup is at the forefront of his mind.

Goldie said: “He got home last night and he seems fine. He’s eaten up and he’s nice and relaxed. He’s been banging on the door and it was nice to get the luck in running this time.

“Everything went to plan. It was handy they left that gap on the far side and he picked up really well when it mattered. He probably idled a wee bit in front. He could go to Haydock next, but we’ll have to see what the handicapper does. There is a certain race at Ayr we would obviously like to win!

“He’s probably a better horse on good to firm ground and our chances of getting that at Ayr are probably limited, but he’ll have the entry and we’ll see nearer the time.

“We’ll see how he is this week, but there is three weeks from now until Haydock and then the Ayr Gold Cup is a fortnight after that, so it’s possible he could do both. Hopefully the handicapper isn’t too hard on him as they finished in a bit of a heap.”

The Fugue became John Gosden’s sixth Group One winner of the summer in the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes.

For once the glory was not shared with William Buick, as he had been instructed to ride the stable’s 7-4 favourite and eventual sixth Izzi Top.

The Fugue (11-4) had left her trainer piqued when only third after a troublesome passage in the Oaks but she was given an expert Goodwood ride by 
supersub Richard Hughes.

He marked the positive move made by Timepiece, pulling the Fugue wide with a furlong remaining to cover her run and eventually swept a length clear.

“If anyone deserved to win a Group One race, it was her,” Gosden said. “Our main idea is for the Fugue to go for the Yorkshire Oaks and then the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.”