Brothers up in arms for tilt at Epsom
THERE will be sibling rivalry at Epsom today as brothers Highland Reel and Idaho do battle in the Investec Coronation Cup.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien has won this Group One prize a record seven times and saddles three runners, with US Army Ranger also featuring in a 10-strong field.
Highland Reel sets the standard having already struck four times at the highest level on three different continents.
The year-younger Idaho won the Great Voltigeur at York last summer, but unseated his rider when an odds-on favourite to claim Classic glory in the St Leger at Doncaster.
O’Brien said: ‘We’ve always thought Idaho would get to the same level as Highland Reel. Physically, maybe, he is a bit bigger and stronger than him.
‘Things have not always fallen for him — unusual things have happened, like what happened in the Leger.
‘We think he is progressing all the time and will progress through the year.’
John Gosden, who has never won the Coronation Cup, sends his top-class filly Journey into action.
The daughter of Dubawi rounded off last season with three consecutive victories and completed a hat-trick with an emphatic success in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot.
However, having been off the track for almost eight months, Gosden expects his charge to strip fitter for her comeback run.
He said: ‘We’ve been pointing her towards this race for some time and she worked nicely on Sunday.
‘We are very happy with her, but I think she will come on a lot for the race.
‘It looks a good version of the race and she will appreciate any rain that comes.
‘She handles most ground, but I think she enjoys a little bit of give.
‘Track-wise, we will find out on the day. You don’t really know how they are going to handle it until they race around there.’
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby is doublehanded with last summer’s Coral-Eclipse hero Hawkbill and progressive stable companion Frontiersman.
Hawkbill opened his account for the campaign in a Group Three at Newbury a fortnight ago, while Frontiersman won with plenty in hand in a Newmarket handicap on his latest appearance.
The latter did, however, miss an engagement at York on Saturday due to heat in a leg.
‘We’ve declared the pair of them and as long as it’s genuine good ground, all being well, Hawkbill will take his chance,’ said Appleby.
‘If conditions are right he’s capable of running a big race.
‘It’s a big step up for Frontiersman, but he’s working well at home.
‘If he translates what he’s doing on a morning to the race he could be bang there.’ Sheikh Mohammed’s operation is also represented by the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Prize Money, who beat Postponed at Meydan earlier in the year and was last seen finishing fourth in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
Bin Suroor said: ‘Prize Money ran some very good races out in Dubai, winning the Dubai City of Gold. He looks in good condition and a mile and a half is a nice trip.
‘It is a case of so far, so good with him.’