Nunthorpe is next potential target for Ten Sovereigns

AIDAN O’Brien has nominated the Coolmore Nunthorpe at York as a potential next target for his July Cup hero Ten Sovereigns.
By Lee Sobot
Published 16th Jul 2019, 06:11 BST
Updated 16th Jul 2019, 07:11 BST
Ten Sovereigns ridden by jockey Ryan Moore.Ten Sovereigns ridden by jockey Ryan Moore.
Ten Sovereigns ridden by jockey Ryan Moore.

The No Nay Never colt looked another Ballydoyle superstar in the making after rounding off an unbeaten juvenile campaign with victory in the Middle Park Stakes.

However, he could finish only fifth when favourite for the 2000 Guineas on his seasonal reappearance – and then failed to live up to expectations again when fourth in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite the doubts, Ten Sovereigns was backed heavily for Saturday’s Newmarket feature – and that support proved fully justified as he reversed the form emphatically with his Ascot conqueror, Advertise, to run out an impressive winner.

Jockey Ryan Moore (centre right) with horse Ten Sovereigns and trainer Aiden O'Brien (third left).Jockey Ryan Moore (centre right) with horse Ten Sovereigns and trainer Aiden O'Brien (third left).
Jockey Ryan Moore (centre right) with horse Ten Sovereigns and trainer Aiden O'Brien (third left).

“We were delighted with him. We felt he had made very good progress since Ascot,” said O’Brien.

“We knew we had to step up from Ascot, but we felt that his work was very good and we were looking forward to seeing him run.”

While wary as yet about committing to future targets, O’Brien confirmed a first run over five furlongs in the Nunthorpe at York on August 23 is a serious possibility.

“I think the lads will decide that (where he goes next), but he would have the option of the Nunthorpe,” he added. “We’ll see how he comes out of this race first.”

Related topics:York