Vase bid on the table for Believe

Believitanducan moved a significant step closer to an outing in the JenningsBet Festival Northumberland Vase Handicap at Newcastle later this month following a taking success at Chester on Saturday.

The useful dual purpose performer made it two wins from as many outings on the Flat this year when following up his victory at Ascot in the Louise Keegan Handicap on the Roodee under Billy Loughnane.

Racing prominently throughout the two mile test, the son of Make Believe moved into a lead he would not surrender around two furlongs from home before drawing steadily clear to score by three and a quarter lengths.

And while an appearance at Royal Ascot has not been totally ruled out just yet by Alan, he admits he is leaning towards sending Believitanducan up to Gosforth Park on June 27th for a tilt at the £75,000 contest instead.

Alan said: “He was very good at Chester. He never looked in any doubt and it was a lovely ride from Billy. The handicapper hasn’t missed him as he has put him seven pounds to a mark of eighty four.

“I wasn’t really worried about going around Chester as he has won over hurdles around Plumpton. He is very adaptable. Luckily we got that rain on Wednesday as he wouldn’t have wanted it any quicker than what it was there

“I would imagine we will nudge towards the Northumberland Vase. I will see how he is as there is the possibility of the Ascot Stakes, but that might come a bit quick so Newcastle looks the most likely.

“He has been a grand horse and he has been very progressive on the Flat. There is lots to look forward to with him.”

Believeitanducan was not the only member of Alan’s team to be hit with a rise in the weights by the handicapper this week with stablemate Paradias also being nudged up to a new career high mark.

The Kodiac gelding has been put up to a mark of 107 following his fifth in the Group Three Star Sports Henry II Stakes at Sandown Park on Thursday.

Alan added: “The handicapper has put Paradias up another two pounds so he wouldn’t get into a handicap at Royal Ascot now.

“I think we will now have a look at a Listed race with him. One option could be to go back to Sandown Park for the Coral Marathon next month.”