Kameko aims to return to winning ways at Newmarket
Kameko, the 2,000 Guineas winner, bids to get his head back in front when he contests the Group Two Shadwell Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.
But, having to give weight to a former Dubai World Cup winner Benbatl and progressive Tilsit, it may not be quite the confidence booster for which connections might have been hoping.
Kameko has been fourth on all three starts since his great moment over course and distance in June; in the Derby when he did not get the trip, in the Sussex Stakes when he was unlucky and in the International when he was disappointing.
Benbatl has not run since the Saudi Cup in January and traditionally his best efforts have been abroad but he did win this race by five lengths last year. However if Tilsit can get over the greenness which nearly cost him a Group Three at Goodwood last time, he can keep up his progression to beat them both.
“The only issue is if the rain comes,” said Sheikh Fahad Al thani’s racing manager David Redvers about Kameko.
“The idea is that it is a prep for the QEII although we know anything can happen with the ground at Ascot in October. If it was heavy there he’d go straight to Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup when we’d have to pray the ground is good.”
France Galop, which runs French racing, is meeting the French government to see what effect Wednesday night’s announcement that it is raising of the level of Covid-alert in Paris to a ‘reinforced alert zone’ will have on the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe in 10 days’ time. The area covered includes the Bois de Boulogne where Longchamp is situated.
Tighter socialising measures and curfews are being brought in on Monday as well reducing the limit on crowd sizes from 5,000 to 1,000.
Longchamp was being geared up for 5,000 but pending further clarification from the government, France Galop has suspended ticket sales for Arc weekend. Further announcements are expected on Friday.
