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Andre Fabre outlines plans for Royal Ascot

3 minute read

Master trainer Andre Fabre is likely to have a small but select team of three for Royal Ascot - headed by Cloth Of Stars.

Cloth Of Stars Picture: Racing and Sports

The Godolphin-owned four-year-old has been in rude health this season, winning a Group Three at Saint-Cloud, a Group Two at Chantilly and the Group One Prix Ganay back at Saint-Cloud.

Fabre has done a great job rebuilding Cloth Of Stars' confidence since he finished eighth behind Harzand in last year's Derby and the Prince of Wales's Stakes now beckons.

"Cloth Of Stars will be going to Ascot," said Fabre.

"I won't have many runners there. It's possible Usherette will be supplemented for the Duke of Cambridge.

"I'll also take Le Brivido for the Jersey Stakes. He was only just caught by (subsequent Prix du Jockey Club winner) Brametot in the Guineas and seven furlongs should suit."

One horse not on the Ascot team is Al Wukair, third to Churchill in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

He was forced to miss the Prix du Jockey Club with a late setback.

"He's not too bad and will resume work on Tuesday," said Fabre.

"It was the equivalent of a twisted ankle, I suppose - not serious, but just bad timing.

"He won't go to Ascot but he could go for the Prix Jean Prat in July."

Le Brivido was narrowly denied in the French Guineas by Brametot and the same fate befell Fabre in the French Derby on Sunday as Waldgeist was caught in the dying strides.

Fabre said: "I would think the Irish Derby is a good option for him.

"He took a big step forward from his first run of the year."