Khalid Abdullah’s Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1)
hero WORKFORCE (GB) (King’s Best) will likely point to the May 22 Tattersalls
Gold Cup (Ire-G1) at The Curragh for his seasonal return, the owner’s racing
manager Teddy Grimthorpe has revealed.
“I still have to speak to (trainer Sir) Michael (Stoute), but the Gold Cup is
looking like the place we will start Workforce,” Grimthorpe said. “We’ll have to
see how the horse is and how he’s working, but the plan would be to go to
Ireland rather than Epsom for the Coronation Cup (Eng-G1).”
Speaking on British TV channel Attheraces, Grimthorpe also unveiled plans for
undefeated Dewhurst S. (Eng-G1) victor FRANKEL (Galileo [Ire]) as well as Prix
d’Aumale (Fr-G3) winner and Prix Marcel Boussac (Fr-G1) runner-up HELLEBORINE
(Observatory), who will both have a preparatory run before launching classic
bids.
“Frankel has not been asked to do much so far, but we’re delighted with the
way he wintered,” Grimthorpe added. “He has filled out and, if anything, he’s
lengthened. The plan with him is to take in the Greenham ([Eng-G3] S. at
Newbury). Helleborine will go for the One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), but she
will have her prep race in the Prix Imprudence (Fr-G3) at Maisons-Laffitte April
7.”
Turning his attention to MIDDAY (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]), a five-time winner
at the highest level, Grimthorpe continued, “Midday has really blossomed again.
She will probably make her comeback in the Middleton ([Eng-G2] S. at York) in
May. The Breeders’ Cup (Fillies & Mare Turf [G1]) is always an option with her.”