Merchant Navy Eyes Diamond Jubilee Stakes At Ascot
If Merchant Navy runs to expectations in Saturday's Gr. 1 Newmarket Handicap, he has plans to travel for the Gr. 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Trainer Aaron Purcell said on Tuesday after the colt's final pre-race gallop that his entire autumn preparation had been tailored around the Newmarket.
According to Purcell the race provides the ideal springboard to England, where Merchant Navy will be racing to seal his future as a dual-hemisphere stallion for Coolmore.
The Coolmore Stud Stakes winner completed his final piece of work at Sandown on Tuesday before Saturday's 1200-metre dash down the Flemington straight and Purcell was quick to claim the Fastnet Rock colt was going to the race in ideal condition.
"I think he's spot on. He galloped this morning at Sandown and it's probably the best he's galloped this preparation. He looks terrific and his weight's great," he said
By Ritesh jamkhedkar-riteshjamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com