Ramonti out to avenge Darjina defeat at Ascot
by Jon Lees
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RAMONTI, a dual Group 1 winner for Godolphin this year, is set to return to the scene of one of those triumphs this weekend, and bid to avenge a last-time-out defeat at the hands of Darjina.
Godolphin confirmed on Sunday their ex-Italian-trained miler is on target to contest the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, where he will try to follow in the footsteps of former Saeed Bin Suroor-trained winners of the race, Mark Of Esteem, Dubai Millennium and Summoner.
Ramonti was on Sunday installed 4-1 third favourite by William Hill, behind George Washington at 7-4 and Darjina at 3-1.
Ramonti provided Godolphin with a welcome Group 1 success in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, in which he had George Washington behind him, and underlined his ability by following up in the BGC Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, where he beat Excellent Art.
Last time out in the Prix du Moulin he again beat George Washington, but found French Classic winner Darjina too strong, going down by two lengths.
Darjina, due to be supplemented, George Washington, who won last year's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and Excellent Art are due to feature when the latest acceptance stage is reached on Monday.
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said on Sunday: “Ramonti is on target. Everything has gone well since Longchamp, where we were pleased with his run.
“He is a horse who always gives his best and is a model of consistency. He doesn't quite have the raw talent of a Mark Of Esteem or Dubai Millennium but he makes up for that with a determined attitude.
“We are looking forward to seeing him run again, but it's going to be a very tough call, with lots of fancied runners. Ramonti was beaten fair and square in France, whereDarjina's turn of foot was too much for him.”
The stable could leave itself the option of making use of a pacemaker, with Blue Ksar, Caradak and Echo Of Light among the original entries.
Crisford added: "There is every chance we will leave another in the race as a precautionary measure, if we think Ramonti needs a bit of assistance.”
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