Along with deaths and taxes, one of life’s certainties is Karl Burke’s ability to masterfully train a filly of black type nature and Evolutionist is conforming to such a belief. The daughter of Night Of Thunder was third in the Group 1 Fillies Mile last season, before winning the Prix de la Grotte on seasonal debut. Evolutionist was second in the 1000 Guineas thereafter, and connections are adamant she’ll bag Group 1 honours this season.
Speaking on Luck On Sunday, via Racing TV, Ace Studs racing and Bloodstock manager Paul Curren deliberated the filly’s plans. “She’s a superstar. She’s so tough. We went to the Guineas with a lot of uncertainties. We weren’t sure if we wanted to run. A mile on very quick ground, was that going to suit?
“We wanted to leave it as late as we could which we did. Luckily it was the right decision as she went fine on the ground. She’s been progressive, she’s tough, but you can’t go near her hind. She tried to go through the bushes at Haydock!
“We want to do right by her, Karl is in agreement. We have several Oaks entries, she will have the stamina for it, she will have no problem up in trip. I think she will be a very good filly and pick up a couple of Group 1’s.
Paul Curran expands on rebranded Ace Stud
The familiar colours of Zhang Yuesheng Investments have undergone a slight change this season. All horses in the ownership are now under the banner of Forz Europe, a branch of Ace Stud formerly known as Dullingham Park.
Paul Curran touched upon the group’s modus operandi suggesting it remains business as usual this season. “We like to send horses to trainers that we get on well with and where we’ve had previous success. Andrew and Karl have done very well for us. Jessica Harrington in Ireland too.
“We send horses to trainers that fit the type of horses we have; we fit the trainer to the horse. The reason we use the best is because they are often so communicative. If we can’t modernize things and improve that side of things, then what are we doing?
Shaquille spearheads the Ace Stud roster, which sadly took a blow following the death of Gewan. “It was truly upsetting, both for us and Andrew and his team. My heart went out to them” said Curran. “We are a new entity. He was the one who symbolised that next step for us and what could’ve been.”
Though a tough void to fill, it’s clear to see that Ace Stud have lofty aims for their operation, and continue to build upon their upward trajectory with Evolutionist set for a big season.