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Qatar Racing Limited bought part of Elm Park (Phoenix Reach) a few days ago and the horse did not disappoint on his first start in his new colours winning the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Gr2), a one-mile contest for two-year-olds. Andrew Balding’s charge won easily by a length and made a good impression. He came to Newmarket off a listed success at Salisbury and confirmed that win in this Gr2. |
“I was a little worried at the halfway point”, admitted Balding. “His work didn’t impress me, but Sheikh Fahad wanted to run him in this Gr2 and he was right. During the race, I thought he was getting better and better. He is entered in the Racing Post Trophy and if all goes well he will run there. I am very happy to have a good horse especially as my mother bred Elm Park. The winner of the Royal Lodge often turns out to be a Derby horse and we will have to see if it will be the English or French version for Elm Park. A lot could happen in between now and then.”