3 minute read
William Haggas will consider a tilt at the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot for Dal Harraild following his impressive victory at York on Saturday.
The winner of valuable handicaps at Musselburgh and Goodwood last summer, the chestnut gelding rounded off his three-year-old campaign with a Listed success at Newmarket.
After blowing away the cobwebs in last month's John Porter Stakes at Newbury, he lined up as favourite for the Grand Cup over the weekend and gave weight and a sound beating to his rivals.
Dal Harraild was handed quotes ranging between 14-1 and 33-1 for the Gold Cup, and could take his chance.
Haggas said: "I was very pleased with him and he's come out of the race well.
"We'll look at the Gold Cup, and the Goodwood Cup would be another option further down the line.
"We don't have to make a decision today, so we'll see how we go over the next few weeks."
Two other Haggas inmates pencilled in for the Royal meeting are Second Thought and Mubtasim after they finished second and third respectively behind the impressive Harry Angel in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock.
"The winner was very impressive and I think both of mine need to step up in trip as they weren't quick enough over the six furlongs," Haggas continued.
"Second Thought could have a crack at the Commonwealth Cup if it came up soft, but it's probably more likely that the two of them will run in the Jersey Stakes over seven.
"Harry Angel, Blue Point and Caravaggio look three pretty smart colts for the Commonwealth, but whether they would want soft ground, I'm not sure, so we'll leave the option open for Second Thought."