Group winner The Lir Jet (Ire) (Prince of Lir {Ire}) will resurface in the G1 Middle Park S. at Newmarket on Sept. 26. The Qatar Racing runner was originally slated for a return in the G2 Flyer Childers S. earlier this month, but was a non-runner that day. After winning the G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot in June, the colt missed by only a short head in the G2 Prix Robert Papin at Chanitlly in mid-July and was third promoted to second in the Aug. 9 G1 Phoenix S.
“We just felt five furlongs on drying ground wouldn’t necessarily be his thing,” said conditioner Michael Bell. “We had the Middle Park as an alternative and, all being well, we’ll head to Newmarket.
“I’m sure it will be a very good race, but the horse is in very good form and good order, so we’re looking forward to it. Hopefully Newmarket will produce a nice, safe surface for everybody, which I’m sure they will.”
Also making his next start in the Middle Park is undefeated Listed Rose Bowl S. hero Method (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). The colt opened his account with a 4 1/4-length win in a Doncaster novice affair in June prior to his listed win on July 18 for owner Manton Park Racing.
“He’s doing his final bits of prep for that and, at the moment, it’s all systems go for Saturday,” said trainer Martyn Meade. “Everything is going to plan. He’s definitely on course for that. He’s fine and we’re hoping for a big run from him. It’s very exciting and we’d love to win that to make a miserable season a bit better.”
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