The first sign of the spring sun for most Brits is a glorious sight, but for Ed Walker, the bright weather is ironically clouding his spirit as he is struggling to find an adequate starting point for his stable star Almaqam.
Almaqam returned in the Gordon Richards Stakes last season, but a firmer surface ruled him out of the same path. He marked himself as a colt to follow when a powerful winner on soft ground in the 2024 Heron Stakes. He’s been lightly raced since due to the ground, but took the notable scalp of Ombudsman last season. The latter reversed that form in the Champion Stakes, albeit the pair were no match for Calandagan.
Having continued to consistently perform well on unfavourable ground, connections will be hoping for the heavens to open to break his Group 1 duck. Speaking to the Press Association, via Racing TV, Ed Walker said: “We know he’s a Group One horse and we kind of felt what is the point. Not to undermine the Gordon Richards. As much as I wanted to blow the cobwebs away – why risk it on ground that might be unsuitably fast.
“If it was a Group One on that ground we might have had a go. But it wasn’t and it’s a long season. It’s just incredibly frustrating that we are already worrying about ground in April, it’s heartbreaking really.
“The Ganay was an option, but it would have been a case of supplementing. We knew the forecast was dry there so decided against it. The Prix d’Ispahan or Tattersalls Gold Cup would be the next options for him. It’s just a case of monitoring it and seeing where has the most suitable ground.
“It’s heartbreaking as he’s the highest-rated horse we’ve ever had. But he hasn’t won a Group One and we can’t run him. Last year was so frustrating and this year has started the same.”
Knavesmire beckons for ‘exciting’ Synchronicity
One reason for Ed Walker not to be afraid of opening his curtains each morning is the exciting Synchronicity. The sister to Ombudsman, who cost £900,000 as a yearling, looked smart when winning comfortably on debut at Newbury.
“She’s come out of Newbury well and she’s a very exciting filly” said Walker. I think we’re happy with our plan of the Michael Seely. The Guineas comes too soon and I don’t really want to travel her on her second start. We can go to York, if that goes to plan, we can go to Ascot which is a logical path.
“It’s sad with a filly of her pedigree to ignore the Guineas. But if she won a Coronation Stakes instead, you would take that.”