Believitanducan books place in London Stayers’ Final after solid show at Kempton Park

Believitanducan already has one major all-weather prize to his name this season following his victory in the Jenningsbet Festival Northumberland Vase, but he could bid to secure another later in the year following his latest run at Kempton Park.

The progressive five-year-old saw his attempt at a fourth successive victory this season end in defeat at the Sunbury venue on Monday when finishing third in the Unibet More Extra Place Races Handicap, which doubled up as a qualifier for the London Stayers’ Series.

However, as a result of the run, it now means that the son of Make Believe has qualified for the final of the two mile contest in December, which Alan believes could be a nice target to work back from.

Alan said: “That was a good solid run as he had an awful lot of weight on his back. There were two reasons for running him, one he was ready for a race, and two it qualifies him for the final at Kempton Park in December. That could be a nice target going forward.

“We have given him the run and he can have a little break now. He will be ready to roll again when the weather breaks.”

Elsewhere on the same card stablemate Blue Vixen made a pleasing enough debut when finishing seventh in the Unibet/EBF Newcomers’ ‘Confined’ Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

Alan said: “She ran fine. She was very green, but she will have learnt plenty. I’ve just got to the stage with the youngsters where I just want to try and get them out.

“We are not learning anything at home by routinely going up and down the all-weather so we thought we would give her a run there.

“She showed a nice bit of promise with improvement to come.”

Deedaydiva made her first start since May when contesting the British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap at Lingfield on Tuesday.

And although there was to be no victory for the daughter of Churchill, it was a run that Alan believes sets her up nicely for an autumn campaign.

Alan said: “We just wanted to get her out again. She was drawn nine or nine as it turned out. We had to miss the kick and go in behind.

“Nothing was coming from the back at Lingfield, but it has got a blow into her. Again, when the weather breaks she is ready to roll.

“Luke (Catton) thought we should stick to ten furlongs as he felt that was the right trip. He felt she would like good to soft ground when it finally comes.”

Returning to Kempton Park on Wednesday there was an encouraging debut put up by Cullenagh Rainbow, who out ran her 80-1 starting price to finish third in the Unibet/British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Alan said: “It was a lovely run. She had been working away grand. We just wanted to get a good educational run into her and I thought Charlie (Bishop) gave her a lovely ride.

“It looked a strong novice to me as the winner was a very well-bred horse owned by Cheveley Park Stud and the second was an expensive purchase. When mine run like that first time it usually means that they are pretty smart, particularly this year as they are needing a run.

“She looks very exciting.

Cullenagh Rainbow was not the only member of the team from Barbury Castle Stables to reach the frame with stablemate Star Time also finishing third in the Try Unibet’s New Improved Acca Boosts Handicap.

“It was a bit of a farce of race that Star Time was in as they went no pace. He was very fresh and didn’t really settle that well, but he was a good third. We will either go back to Kempton Park or find something else on the turf when the weather breaks.

“He certainly wants a mile and a half, and he might even get a touch further later on. He has done well as he came back from a broken knee. I think we will have plenty of fun with him later in the season.”

While there was to be no podium finish for Galaxy Star on the same card in the Unibet More Extra Place Races Handicap it was a run that Alan was satisfied with.

Alan said: “She ran fine, but she had a good blow after it. Ideally she wants a mares only race. It is very tough for the older mares to beat the geldings. She might want a little step up in trip to one mile six furlongs, but it was important to get her out.”

Over at Ffos Las on the same day Grand Havana made his debut in the Meyer Timber EBF Maiden Stakes, while John Harrison finished third for the third race in succession in the Golwg Gwendreath ‘Confined’ Handicap.

Alan said: “Grand Havana was just ready for a run. He was very green, and he didn’t handle the bend very well, but it was important to get him out and started.

“It was a solid enough run by John Harrison. I think he probably wants to go back up to ten furlongs as I dropped him back from that trip.

“He will appreciate when the rain comes as I think he wants to get his toe in a bit. It was lovely ground at Ffos Las, but he has had two run on quick ground before that. We will wait for the weather this time.

There was an improved show from Insanity, who left his effort at Royal Ascot behind when finishing a close up sixth in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge.

Alan added: “He ran well. I thought he was coming with a right rattle. He has had a few runs on quick ground and he might just appreciate it being a little bit kind. He was solid run as he was only beaten just over three lengths.”

And Alan also provided an update on Spyce, who has undergone a wind operation since his run in the Golden Gates Stakes at the Royal meeting.

Alan added: “Spyce has now had his wind operation. He has been cantering for a fortnight and he will work on Saturday. He would want at least three weeks before we see him out which would take us into September. I think he will still turn out to be a good horse.”