Late decision likely on Bated Ascot run
Friday 15 June 2012
Roger Charlton will make a late decision on whether Bated Breath takes his chance in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
With a preference for a decent surface, the Beckhampton handler may switch his sights back to the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on Saturday, giving the ground a chance to dry out.
Bated Breath proved he was as effective over the minimum trip at Haydock last time out, and Charlton had earlier stated he was keen to avoid Black Caviar if he could, but that clash could now be back on.
Speaking on his website, Charlton said: "With the ground being described as soft and good to soft in places at Ascot, I will continue to monitor the situation before deciding whether Bated Breath will take his chance in the King's Stand on Tuesday or the Diamond Jubilee on Saturday.
"The chances are that he will be declared for the King's Stand and a decision will be made if necessary an hour before the race as his preference would be for faster ground. Let's hope that we get some wind and sunshine before then as Ascot can dry out quite quickly."
Black Caviar's jockey Luke Nolen has been snapped up for Medicean Man in the King's Stand.
Australian-born trainer Jeremy Gask said: "We made contact and I just think he'll probably suit the horse. I don't know Luke personally but I know he's in great form and riding out of his skin, so it seemed like a good choice.
"He's ridden a Shergar Cup winner at Ascot so he's familiar with the course. The horse is good but we don't want it to be too soft for him. I think he's hitting form at the right time. He loves it there so you'll have to say that he grows a leg at Ascot."
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