Buick faces Nassau quandary
Wednesday 25 July 2012
By Ashley Wishaw
John Gosden has revealed that William Buick is having trouble choosing between The Fugue and Izzi Top as preparations for the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood gather pace.
Both fillies are entered in the Group One contest on Saturday week but the going holds the key to the 23-year-old rider’s final decision.
Gosden is in the privileged position of having The Fugue prefer fast ground, while Izzi Top relishes softer conditions as evidenced when she won the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh three weeks ago.
“William is already having sleepless nights about it because they are both very good fillies but as we get closer to the time the weather will tell us,” Gosden told Racing UK.
The ground is not the only factor, however, as although Izzi Top is a proven Group 1 winner it is The Fugue's potential that still excites the team at Clarehaven.
The Fugue, who like Dar Re Mi is owned by Lord Lloyd-Webber, showed a glimmer of her true ability when taking the Musidora Stakes at York. She encountered unsuitable going when second in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot having suffered trouble in running in both the 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks. As such there appears to be unfinished business still on the track.
“The Oaks is the one that got away,” Gosden added. "It was an unnecessarily rough race but it's done now. She could race at four and everything will be forgotten.
“She’s in great order now. A mile and a quarter is absolutely fine for her but she does need proper summer ground.”
In contrast Izzi Top has won her three races this season and has improved with every run. The daughter of Pivotal has progressed through the grades from the Group 3 Dahlia Stakes to her maiden top-level success in Ireland and the trainer believed there could be more to come.
“She looks like a colt and is hugely powerful. She has always been a gorgeous filly, and has always been an eye-catcher in the string – she’s bigger than most of the colts.
“She wouldn’t want it rattling fast ground.”
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