Ed Bethell will attempt to reverse the Haydock form with Almeraq next month as he confirmed Paborus for the Champions Day Sprint Stakes.
Paborus returned from a 364 day layoff in June, winning the Chipchase Stakes on his first try at six furlongs. Following the dry summer, options were limited thereafter and Bethell kept Paborus away from the rattling going. 56 days later, Paborus returned to seven furlongs in the Group 1 City Of York Stakes.
Albeit not disgraced in eighth there, connections returned to sprinting trips next time out. Paborus travelled well to the fore, hitting the front over two out. He was no match for the late turn of foot from Almeraq, but Bethell believes he can get closer at Ascot.
Speaking to the Press Association, via At The Races, Bethell said: “I’m very happy with him and he’s come out of Haydock well. So I think it is all systems go for British Champions Day.
“Unfortunately we’ll have to try to take on Almeraq again and we’ll try to latch onto his coattails and get a bit closer. But Paborus is in really good form and I’ve been delighted with how he’s come out of the race.”
“I do think he’s getting quicker,” Bethell keen to stick to six furlongs with Paborus
Paborus has largely spent his career at seven furlongs, with one unsuccessful attempt at a mile. However, he’s entirely unexposed over six, and has shown plenty of promise on his two efforts at the trip thus far.
Bethell continued: “We’ve tried him over further and did a mile once. But we sort of knew a mile wouldn’t be his thing. And when we went seven furlongs in the City of York Stakes his run just seemed to peter out in the final furlong. I think at that level he does just want to be at six furlongs and allowed to sprint.
“I do think he’s getting quicker and his training at home is suggesting that too. He’s looking like he’s really learning to sprint. It’s very exciting and lovely to have a horse like him in the yard.
“He’s a very talented horse obviously and it’s great to see him show this level of form after time off. He’s still lightly raced and hopefully there is more to come from him over the next couple of years. We’ll try to keep the wheels on the track and then go from there.”