Horse Racing
Gimcrack the target for unbeaten Matteo
Matteo will step up to Group Two company at York’s Ebor Festival as Kevin Ryan’s unbeaten colt targets Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes glory.
The son of Coulsty caught the eye with a four-and-three-quarter-length success on debut at Beverley in April and returned to the Westwood a month later to land the Two Year Old Trophy EBF Conditions Stakes by a short head, making all.
He has not been seen on the track since, but assistant trainer Adam Ryan revealed it was always the plan for Matteo as he tackles six furlongs for the first time on the Knavesmire on August 21.
“Everything is fine, he’s going for the Gimcrack,” he said.
“It’s a stiff five furlongs at Beverley and I think he will improve with the step up to six.
“I don’t think the winning margin did him justice last time, he was too good for them. I think had he had some help, he’d have done a lot more.”
He added: “We’ve just been waiting for the Gimcrack.
“He’s done nothing wrong. I think the step up to six furlongs will suit him and he’s had a nice break between races, so he goes there fit and fresh.”
