Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle is set for a busy Friday at Newmarket before once again going on her travels ahead of Saturday’s card at the Curragh.
Joel Stakes a logical step for improving Tempus
The Group Two Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Joel Stakes (3.35) at Newmarket on Friday is a logical stepping stone for Archie Watson’s progressive miler Tempus.
He was simply brilliant in winning back-to-back Group Three’s last month, first at Salisbury and then defying a penalty in France, and is more than ready for this step up in class. I rode Hambleton Racing’s gelding in a nice piece of work in Lambourn last week in readiness for a race he is more than capable of holding his own in.
The one we probably have to beat is Sir Michael Stoute’s Potapova, who also steps up in grade after winning the Group Three Atalanta Stakes at Sandown in August but looks capable of doing better still and has the benefit of the fillies’ allowance.
It’s one step at a time, but if all goes to plan Tempus will be aimed at the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Champions’ Day next month.