The rebranded Ace Stud, formerly known as Dullingham Park, have two live chances in Group 1s this weekend with Evolutionist and Double Rush.
The pair have already proudly represented the green and white silks this season. Evolutionist, who runs in the Falmouth, was second to True Love in the 1000 Guineas. Double Rush is three from three since joining Andrew Balding, having won the Wokingham Stakes last time out.
Ace Stud’s bloodstock and racing manager Paul Curran told the Racing Post: “It’s our local track so it’s important to have Group 1 runners like this and they’ve great chances. So we’re very excited. We could have a nice new addition stallion-wise in Double Rush. The July Cup is almost like a Classic race for sprinters.”
Ace Stud stand Shaquille, who won the July Cup for Julie Camacho in 2023. His season also began with a Newmarket Handicap win, though came via the Commonwealth Cup.
Curran continued: “Evolutionist is coming off a disappointing run in France, but she’s in great form. Before her run in France, she was in flying form. Shane had sat on her the week before and felt she was really putting it all together. When we got out there, she was in season. It doesn’t affect some fillies but unfortunately it did affect her. We didn’t learn anything in France.
“I think there’s a big day in her” – Paul Curran
Evolutionist will face her old rival Precise, who she was third to in the Fillies Mile last season. Curran retains the faith, after seemingly drawing a line through France: “She won at the July course on her second start and it’ll be nice ground for her. If she can get it together, she can run a big race.
“Her form has been in and around Ballydoyle fillies. She was third to Precise – who reopposes – in the Fillies’ Mile and second to True Love in the 1,000 Guineas, and had Precise behind her, so whatever way you look at it, she’s not far off them. I think there’s a big day in her.”
A day later, Double Rush takes his chance in the July Cup with Oisin Murphy replacing the suspended Shane Foley. Curran said: “Double Rush is where he ought to be now, in the best sprint race, and it’ll be really interesting. Even though he won the Wokingham, Shane said they went a bit slow for him. So we think he’ll relish the quick pace and step up in class.
Touching on the success of the operation, Curran said: “For Harris and Rachel, winning at Royal Ascot was massive. They’re hands-on and run things day in, day out. Our main goal is to bring horses along to compete in Group 1s.”