Sunway Set for Betfred St Leger Challenge After Solid King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Effort
Trainer David Menuisier’s Group One winner Sunway is poised to take on a longer distance challenge as he is pencilled in for the prestigious Betfred St Leger at Doncaster on September 14th. The Galiway three-year-old, who is a full-brother to 2021 Champion Stakes hero Sealiway, ended his juvenile campaign with a top-level victory in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud.
Earlier this season, Sunway returned to the same track to finish second in the Group Three Prix Greffulhe, missing out by just a neck. In June, a trip to Ireland paid off when he was beaten less than a length after a brilliant run in the Irish Derby, hinting at the colt’s stamina potential.
Sunway’s most recent outing came in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes over the mile-and-a-half trip at Ascot, where he lost his footing when turning into the home straight under jockey James Doyle. However, the colt’s determination shone through as he rallied to the line, finishing a creditable fourth.
“He’s having a break at the moment, and then the plan is to get him prepared for the Leger,” the trainer said. “That was a really good run (at Ascot) considering the horse nearly fell over in the bend, he lost his balance and all momentum. He managed to quicken again and go and get the fourth place, so I thought that was a very satisfactory effort.”
Menuisier believes Sunway’s performances in the Irish Derby and the King George have shown his ability to stay the longer distance, and he is hopeful the Betfred St Leger will provide the perfect test for the colt’s stamina.
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