Sunway on Target for King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes After Impressive Irish Derby Showing
Curragh – Sunway is primed for a shot at the prestigious King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes following his excellent runner-up performance in the Irish Derby. The Galiway colt, trained by David Menuisier, is set to build on his recent form after a slow start to the campaign.
Sunway finished just three-quarters of a length behind the winner, Los Angeles, in an impressive display at the Curragh. The performance marked a return to form for the Group One winner, who had previously struggled to find his best this season.
“He’s absolutely grand, it seems like he didn’t have a hard race and fingers crossed we can run him in the King George,” said Menuisier. “That would be the race to run him in if we could.”
The trainer acknowledged that Sunway had been unlucky in the Prix du Jockey Club, where he finished seventh, but noted that the horse had shown significant improvement in his recent outing.
“He was unlucky in the Prix du Jockey Club but he had definitely come on for his previous races and I think he had definitely come on for his last run,” Menuisier said. “I don’t know whether he was a bit rusty or whatever.”
Menuisier also emphasized that Sunway’s talent means he doesn’t need much work at home, and sometimes requires a “reminder” that he’s in competition. The trainer has found success in using a sheepskin noseband to help the horse, rather than opting for cheekpieces.
While Menuisier did have one Classic victory this season with Devil’s Point in the German 2000 Guineas, that colt failed to make an impact in the Prix Jean Prat, finishing eighth. The trainer attributed the disappointing performance to the ground being too quick for the horse.
“Devil’s Point was disappointing but the ground was too quick for him, in my opinion, he couldn’t lay up on that and they went too fast,” said Menuisier. “We’ll lick our wounds and try again.”
With Sunway’s impressive Irish Derby showing and Menuisier’s confidence in the horse’s ability, racing enthusiasts can look forward to the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes as a potential highlight of the upcoming racing calendar.
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