Horse Racing
York or Paris options for Adonius before American dream
Rebecca Menzies is considering options at York next week and ParisLongchamp next month for stable star Adonius before he bids to realise his American dream.
Connections opted to sidestep Royal Ascot and other potential summer targets with the speedy son of Soldier’s Call after he completed his hat-trick in the Lily Agnes at Chester in May.
He returned from his break in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood and while he met with defeat for the first time, he emerged with credit in finishing second to Pershaada, who is set to take on her elders at Group One level in the Nunthorpe.
Adonius will be sticking to his own age group for the time being, but he too could be seen in action on the Knavesmire.
“He’s come out of Goodwood really, really well – I actually wish I could run him this week,” said Menzies.
“He ran a great race in the Molecomb. He was obviously giving 3lb to the winner who looks a very good filly.
“We’ll probably give him an entry the Roses Stakes, the Listed race on Ebor day (August 22), and if he doesn’t go there we might take him to ParisLongchamp on September 3 for a Group Three (Prix d’Arenberg).”
Having been part-sold to American-based owners Riverdee and West Paces following his Chester success, Adonius is destined to end up on the other side of the Atlantic later in the year, with the Breeders’ Cup identified as a dream target.
However, there is every chance he could get an early sighter of American action a month earlier, with a valuable prize at Keeneland having been identified.
“There’s a $350,000 race at Keeneland on October 4 (Indian Summer Stakes) and I’ve already started filling in the paperwork to potentially take him out there for that,” Menzies added.
“I would imagine he will probably stay out there after that win, lose or draw and it would be great to think he’ll end up running at the Breeders’ Cup.
“He’s obviously a horse with a lot of early pace, as he showed at Chester and Goodwood, so you would think the turning tracks in America will really suit him.
“We’ll get his next run out of the way before making any definite plans, but it’s exciting to be thinking about things like that – it’s what we all do it for.”
