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Juddmonte International Stakes Updates

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Arod is primed to take on Australia in the Juddmonte International Stakes on Wednesday, which will be his toughest assignment to date. But trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam believes he has “a very good chance” in the York Group 1 race.

arod

Arod during action. PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The three year old impressed in a specially arranged gallop on Newmarket’s July course last Thursday after managing an impressive 9 length win in the At The Races Sky 415 Conditions Stakes last month.

His strong win over the two inferior rivals at Leicester gave Arod, who hasn’t had a win since April, a much-needed confidence boost. The colt is now a 16-1 shot for the International Stakes with Bet365 Bet365.

Owned by Qatar Racing, Arod previously went up against Australia in the Derby, where he finished fourth. But he has an advantage, having run on the same York course and distance as the International in May. He finished second behind The Grey Gatsby, who is also entered for the Juddmonte, in the Dante Stakes.

Trainer Peter Chapple- Hyam said on Friday: “We took him to the July course on Thursday morning as all the suitable gallops were closed. He worked very well under Jamie Spencer and it’s all systems go for York. I feel he goes there with a very good chance.”

Chapple-Hyam has twice trained the winner of the Juddmonte International with Rodrigo De Triano in 1992 and Authorized in 2007.

Despite the opposite being announced last week, Joseph O’Brien will in fact maintain his partnership with Australia in the Juddmonte on Wednesday. The dual Derby winning favourite had been expected to have a new rider for the first time due to weight but the 21 year old jockey has stated his intent to ride.

Australia’s first foray into open-age competiton on the Knavesmire will see him carry 8st12lb, receiving an 8lb weight-for-age allowance from his older competitors. O’Brien has not ridden under 9st this season, leading many to assume a new jockey would be sought out. It could have something to do with a suitable rider being hard to find.

australia-epsom-derby-winner

Australia: dual Classic winner is odds-on for the International PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

But O’Brien did manage to ride at 8st13lb at the Dubai Duty Free Sheema Classic in March, and was quick to repress the claims on Sunday, stating “yes” when asked if he would be riding Australia, then “yes, I can ride him” when asked if he could handle the weight.

Reflecting on his son riding at his lowest weight, O’Brien senior told At The Races: “Joseph is able to do 8st 12lb. We don’t let him do it although he has done it last year and he will do it when he needs to do it. We’ll leave the decision to him but he is mad keen to ride.

The trainer added: “The plan is [Australia] will be declared if the ground looks okay in the morning and if everything is okay with him then he will be declared to run.

“He has done very well in his mid-season break and he is ready to go. I would imagine that he will come on for it.

“Kingfisher might run too. He’s a solid horse and if Australia runs he might run with him.”

Despite the apparent uncertainty to his running, Australia is still the 4-6 favourite to win the Juddmonte International with Bet365 Bet365. Telescope is second-favourite (4-1) followed by Mukhadram (5-1), Eagle Top (8-1), Kingston Hill (10-1), The Grey Gatsby (12-1), Trading Leather (14-1), Arod and Kingsbarns (16-1), Kingfisher (40-1), Hall Of Mirrors (66-1).

The post Juddmonte International Stakes Updates appeared first on Horse Racing UK.


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