He was impressive when winning the Derby, and although Authorized was turned over by Notnowcato in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown recently, his people remain upbeat as the colt continues his preparation for next week's Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
He was impressive when winning the Derby, and although Authorized was turned over by Notnowcato in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown recently, his people remain upbeat as the colt continues his preparation for next week's Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
He had a workout on Newmarket's Al Bahathri gallop yesterday, with Peter Chapple-Hyam reporting he covered seven-and-a-half furlongs with Striving Storm, his regular work companion.
Authorized was partnered by Adrian McCarthy but Chapple-Hyam has revealed big-race pilot Frankie Dettori will be down to ride the classic winner in his final gallop before York at the end of the week. "That was a real good blow-out and he will be ready by next Tuesday," said the trainer.
"I will work him once more, towards the end of the week, before the race at York. Frankie Dettori will come in and give him a pipe-opener. I'm happy with the horse - he is just about where I want him to be,"
Authorized is 7-4 favourite with Coral for the Juddmonte International, which is fair enough, but the odds layers also have Authorized favourite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in early October, which to some is a little surprising.
In the field for the premier race of the year in Europe is Manduro, who is believed by many to be the best thoroughbred around, and the showdown between the two, plus whatever else turns up on the Bois de Boulogne on the Sunday afternoon in question, should be quite something.
Before the Arc is the St Leger, the oldest classic race on the planet, and it was revealed yesterday that Soldier Of Fortune, ante-post favourite for the September 15 race, is not certain to run. Aidan O'Brien's Irish Derby winner has not been seen since winning the 12-furlong classic at the Curragh last month, and the team at Ballydoyle have yet to set future plans in stone.
O'Brien said: "We gave Soldier Of Fortune a good rest after the Irish Derby and, while he is in good form and cantering away, we haven't made any decision about where he will run next. He was never going to be ready for York and we'll see how he progresses over the next couple of weeks before deciding on plans.
"At this stage he's a possible for the St Leger and no more than that. There will be plenty of other options for him, including the Arc." O'Brien's warning came a day after connections of Aqaleem, his chief market rival in the St Leger, also stressed their animal is not a certain starter at Doncaster.
Elsewhere, Arch Swing will be back in action early next month. "She's in good form and is working towards the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on September 8," said trainer John Oxx. "We think there is more to come from her."
