Al Shaqab Racing's Ebro River (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), who won the G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. at The Curragh in August, is likely to step out in the G1 Middle Park S. over six furlongs at Newmarket on Sept. 25. Third in Sunday's G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National S. behind Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) and Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) on Sunday, the colt is also possible for the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp on Oct. 3 or the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar in November.
“I think it's fair to say Ebro River is not as good over seven furlongs as he is over six, and we're certainly not looking to step him up to a mile next year–we don't see him as a Guineas horse,” said trainer Hugo Palmer. “There is a well-documented and straightforward path to the Commonwealth Cup, which has been designed for horses like him.
“He doesn't need soft ground by any means, but what he doesn't want is firm ground. The Middle Park is the most obvious option for him. The alternative is the Jean-Luc Lagardere [at ParisLongchamp], and we're very keen on taking him to the Breeders' Cup to run in the Juvenile Turf over a mile.
“I think a very sharp mile round Del Mar, round two turns, will suit a horse who is already Group 1-placed over the stiffest seven furlongs in Europe.”
Kept plenty busy since a sixth-place debut at Newmarket in April, the colt was making his eighth start of the year in the National S. He'd also claimed a Sandown listed at the end of May.
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