Tom Clover has suggested Al Nayyir will be aimed toward the Prix Royal-Oak in October following a breakthrough Group 2 success at the age of eight.
The Dubawi gelding made it third time lucky in the Lonsdale Cup, having previously bumped into Vauban and Trawlerman. The race was slightly marred by the absence of Trawlerman, who retired earlier this month due to injury.
Caballo De Mar was sent off a strong favourite late on, but failed to justify it with perhaps those exertions from Ascot still taking its toll. Al Nayyir was ridden conservatively by William Buick, but finished with a wet-sail to fend off Illinois.
He’s long threatened to land a nice prize, and Clover will likely selectively campaign him where the going is softer.
On the performance, Tom Clover told Sporting Life: “He was second not beaten far behind Vauban. Then he was third behind Trawlerman and Sweet William last year. He seems to really like the track.
“We had a plan to let them get racing and try and come with a wet sail late on. You often find that at York that races like that can change complexion in that last furlong. It was a great effort from the whole team, and it was a lovely ride from William.
“He is eight years old now so we will just look after him and pick our spots. He is an absolute gent to train. I suppose the race that jumps out, and one you’d love to have a think about the Prix Royal Oak. But I need to speak to the connections.”
“It would seem to be a nice race to have another go at a Group 1” – Clover
Al Nayyir was unsuited by the 2m4f test on a firmer surface at Goodwood. But Clover is keen for another crack in Group 1 company.
“He is a horse that loves training as he doesn’t like being off that much. We will tick him along, give him an easy couple of weeks, and then build him back up.
“Having had Champions Day the week before, and others running in the Cadran, the Royal-Oak would seem to make sense. If the ground was okay.
“It is obviously the right way around for us, we think. It would seem to be a nice race to have another go at a Group One.”