Tate sets sights on Newmarket

Trainer James Tate has set his sights on the Shadwell Joel Stakes at Newmarket for Queen Elizabeth II Stakes hopeful Top Rank.

Top Rank was last seen when beating My Oberon by a length-and-a-half to claim the Betfair Superior Mile Stakes at Haydock on September 5.

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, which takes place on October 17, still remains the top target for Tate’s charge but he is keen to get the four-year-old out in the meantime.

Tate feels the Shadwell Joel Stakes contest, scheduled for September 25, offers a great opportunity to get another run out, although he admits the going will ultimately decide whether or not they take up entry.

“What I would like to run him in next is the Joel at Newmarket, but he wouldn’t be a fast ground horse,” said Tate.

“That’s the first possible race, so we’ll just have to take it as it comes. Other possibles are the Prix Daniel Wildenstein in France or the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket I’ve entered him in, but that’s over seven and he really would want cut in the ground for that.

“At the end of the year obviously there is the QEII but we’re looking for a Group Two next, ideally.”

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