[NoChanceToDance]

French target for Ask



by Jon Lees


ORMONDE Stakes winner Ask is set to wait for a race in France next month after he was taken out of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Monday by trainer Sir Michael Stoute.

The colt beat Scorpion, one of eight King George acceptors, on his first start for new owner Patrick Fahey at Chester in May but has not raced since and missed Royal Ascot owing a leg infection.

Ask was originally bought as a potential dual-purpose horse on behalf of property developer Fahey by former trainer Simon Christian, but if he continues to excel on the Flat a switch to jumping is likely to be delayed.

Christian said on Monday: “All the entries and running plans are left to Sir Michael Stoute but Ask has had a foot problem and Sir Michael told Mr Fahey he might not quite be ready for Saturday.

“It's disappointing for the owner as the race has cut up but Sir Michael did mention he might be able to target a race at Deauville in August. If Ask can prove himself a genuine Group 2 or Group 1 horse this autumn then he might have another season on the Flat.”