Charlie Hills confirms that G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S. shocker Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) will be supplemented to Saturday's G1 Pertemps Network July Cup. Whether Royal Ascot partner Jamie Spencer will be available will depend on whether the rider can successfully appeal a careless riding ban from his winning effort aboard Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the G1 Pretty Polly S. The massive 80-1 upset came on the heels of a rough trip in the listed British E.B.F. 40th Anniversary Cathedral S. where the Fitri Hay-owned gelding finished third.
“He looked fantastic before the race at Ascot and he'd been in really good form at home, so it wasn't a shock to see him run a big race, though I was a little surprised he won it! It was certainly a nice surprise and it's a great credit to the horse,” said Hills. “I've always maintained he's a Group class sprinter and his career shows that. He's won some really good races like the Stewards' Cup, King George and Palace House and obviously last time in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee at Ascot. He's a very good horse and we're looking forward to Saturday.”
Aidan O'Brien has recently warned Little Big Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never) is only a “50-50” shot to take a chance at the Cup on July 15 after missing almost six days of cantering due to a foot bruise last week and that a decision will be made in the following couple days. The Ballydoyle master has not ruled out seeking a record-breaking sixth win in the contest with a daughter of No Nay Never, GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf victress Meditate (Ire), who could be given one last chance to shine before retiring to stud.
“Little Big Bear is not definite to run as he had a foot bruise last week and he missed six days without doing any cantering. We might do something in the morning with him to see how he is and whether we decide to run him or not,” said O'Brien.
“We have to decide whether we are going to retire Meditate or not. It is very possible that she could retire. She is obviously in the July Cup and if Little Big Bear wasn't going to run we would give her a chance going back over six before she goes, as she is a filly that has a lot of speed and was always very comfortable going forward over six furlongs.”
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