Gallops report from Racing Post.....
Sixties Icon in rude health ahead of Leger bid
by Tony Elves
SIXTIES ICON staked his claim for the Ladbrokes St Leger with a smooth success in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood and, with the race now 13 days away, it was time for some serious work on Racecourse Side Saturday morning.
The soft ground conditions on the Across the Flat gallop appeared made to measure for the Galileo colt and he looked in rude form as he went around six lengths clear of two companions under Mick Denaro.
His preparation appears to be going like clockwork and there will be few, if any, better-bred for the final Classic than the Jeremy Noseda-trained three-year-old, who has been the subject of some significant price cuts for the York race in recent days.
Stablemate Soldier’s Tale hasn’t been seen out since finishing fourth in the July Cup last year, but has been building up steadily in hiswork and looked in good order when going on from his lead horse.
Araafa (Paul Morris) had a rare off-day in the Sussex Stakes but looked more his usual self as he went well with his companion. Targets like the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes will be looming large in his trainer's mind.
The Cambridge Road polytrack was the venue for Ouija Board’s latest work assignment and the ultra game mare flowed in pleasing style for Chris Hinson as she went three or four lengths clear of her lead horse.
Ed Dunlop will let his stable star tell him when she is ready to fire, with the Irish Champion Stakes and Prix Vermeille the contests under consideration, especially the former. Court Masterpiece appears to have come out of his Sussex Stakes success in great order, and he looked in good form when striding on in company with Tabadul.
Nidhaal has yet to add to her score this year but the Observatory filly looked in great trim when working well with Majestic Halo.
Michael Bell was up the Racecourse Side straight with his team, and Flying Childers candidate Hoh Mike worked well with King’s Bastion.
The Fitzroy House trainer is targeting seven-time winner Red Evie at the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on September 9, and she moved well for Georgina Bell in company with usual work-day partner Redeye Special.
John Gosden will be looking to re-introduce Sleeping Indian in the near future and he looked in good shape when moving better than Iceman in their spin together.
James Fanshawe was another trainer on Racecourse Side and Font (Jamie Spencer) caught the eye when working nicely in company with Cesare and one other.
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