Hugo Palmer: I think it will take a good one to beat him

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Top trainer and Coral ambassador Hugo Palmer discusses his runners at York and Goodwood on Friday.

York 4.10 – Chelsea Green

Unfortunately Chelsea Green looks as if she will be a non-runner. I will walk the course today [Thursday] and speak to the jockeys, but she found the ground too firm in the Sandringham at the Royal meeting, whereas she ran a massive race on good to soft at Vichy last time. We’d love to run her in this, but not on quick ground, which it can get to here.

York 4.45 – Under The Sun

You only have to look at the entries we’ve given Under The Sun later in the year, including the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes, to know that this juvenile has shown me plenty from the word go this year. As a son of Golden Horn out of a Montjeu mare, it’s even more surprising that he was impressing us back in January, as that’s not precocious breeding, but it speaks volumes for what he’s capable of.

We feel slightly unlucky that he’s not won on either of his first two starts, he ran into a Godolphin hot-pot on his debut, and then had to make his own running and just got nabbed on the line on his second start. The winner that day has gone on to finish second in a good Listed race, so it’s fair to say we bring the best form to this race.

That said, it is a £100,000 maiden, the most valuable of the year, so there are always some nice newcomers, as well as a Ballydoyle representative that has to be respected. We have deliberately given him plenty of time since his Ascot run, as he’s very much a horse for next year and one we want to look after, but that’s not to say we’re not hopeful of a very big run here. He’s improved at home, and I hope it will take a good one to beat him.

York 5.15 – Power Of Gold

This has really been the plan for Power Of Gold all season. He is a horse I’ve been wanting to geld but have yet to persuade the owner! He is a horse who I am sure has more ability than he is currently shown but I think this turning track and trip will suit well. Although this was always the plan I honestly didn’t think he would get in the race off this rating, but the race hasn’t filled and we get in off a nice light weight.

From stall 2, Harry [Davies] should be able to take him back, get him settled, and deliver him late, I think coming through horses will suit him. I know this is a big step up in grade for him and he’s the outsider of the field, but I’m very happy with him and am looking forward to this.

Goodwood 6.40 – Princess Niyla

Princess Niyla is a filly we’ve always held in high regard, who took a bit of time to come to herself, but we now know she wants top of the ground, which as anyone who has tried to have a BBQ this summer will know, has been in short supply!

Once again there is plenty of rain about in the forecast for the south coast, although hopefully it will miss Goodwood and we will get good ground for her as I think this is a lovely opportunity for this filly. You never know if a horse will act around this track until they try, but she’s gone round Chester so we can be hopeful she will be well balanced enough for Goodwood.

Hugo

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