3 minute read
Charlie Fellowes plans to step Prince Of Arran up to the top table for the first time in his career in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
The four-year-old son of Shirocco will have his stamina put to the test with an outing in the two-and-a-half-mile Group One on June 22.
Although the triple all-weather winner has yet to score in nine outings on the turf, Prince Of Arran turned in career-best display when second in the Group Three Sagaro Stakes at Ascot last month.
Fellowes said: "The plan is to go to Ascot for the Gold Cup. He has got a bit to find on the ratings but he clearly acts around the track and the owners are keen to go.
"He was staying on in the Sagaro behind Sweet Selection. If he was falling in a heap at the end of two miles and that was his maximum I would be against it.
"He hit the line stronger than anything else in that race so why not give two and a half a crack?
"He is by Shiroccoso there is plenty of stamina there and, at that trip, he is unexposed.
"He has got an entry in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, but that was only a back-up if anything went wrong before Ascot.
"It is a hard race and we could have tried to pick up a Group Three or Two abroad but this is a great meeting to be at.
"He is in great form and looks fantastic."
The Newmarket handler believes lightly-raced stablemate Endless Acres can make a big impact upon his return to the turf in the Ascot Stakes.
He added: "I think he goes there with a massive shout. He ran a huge race up at Newcastle against a horse ( Flymetothestars ) which is definitely one to follow.
"What he has in his favour is that he is so laid-back and over two and a half miles at Ascot, you have to switch off and save every ounce of energy as you can guarantee these jump boys will come with something stamina-laden.
"This fellow stays all day long and he is improving."