Simon Mapletoft on the AWC: Stable Tours – Dean Ivory
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The London trainer is banking on a blend of proven performers and untapped potential to make his mark on the trainers’ championship.
Dean Ivory is banking on a blend of proven high class performers and untapped potential to propel him into the headlines this winter. The Radlett handler is looking forward to targeting the big Mile races with Sirius Prospect, who has been given a break in readiness for the Hyde Stakes at Kempton in November – a Fast Track Qualifier for Good Friday.
The seven-year-old won the Listed feature two years ago before bagging a valuable handicap at the Sunbury track in November 2014. Though Lingfield might not play to his strengths, he was beaten only four lengths by Captain Cat in the 2014 Mile Final. “He’s getting older but at least he goes into the winter a fresh horse, so I’m hopeful of winning more races,” says Ivory.
He is also hoping to get to the Sprint Final with the ever-reliable Lancelot Du Lac, who has run some creditable races in defeat in the Group One July Cup, the Stewards’ Cup and the Wokingham. However, he is highly effective when stalking the pace on the All-Weather and will take his chance in Fast Track Qualifiers at Lingfield – “a track he handles really well”.
Golden Amber “didn’t hit the heights I hoped she would” when arriving at Ivory’s yard from Ireland last winter, but has been steadily progressive this year. “She loves Chelmsford, winning twice there over six furlongs, and with a rating of 100 will be another contender for all the best sprint races.
Ivory is hoping that the patience he has shown lightly raced Dansili gelding Shanti will pay dividends. “I bought him cheaply out of Michael Bell’s last autumn,” says the trainer. “He had a tendon problem but is going nicely now and could be anything with a rating of just 69.”
Sea Silk is another blue blooded recruit, this time from the powerful battalions of Mark Johnston. Un-raced, this Shamardal gelding is rising four but, in his new trainer’s words, “could be absolutely anything. I’ve given him time to grow and strengthen into his frame and am really excited about getting started with him.” Sea Silk is out of a Listed winner who stayed a mile and a half, so stamina seems assured.
Ivory also bought un-raced four-year-old Eljaddaaf from Shadwell Stud for just 8,500gns at the February Sales at Tattersalls. “He went out to Dubai but didn’t run,” he explains. “He had a few little issues but nothing more than growing problems really. He’s also by Shamardal and originally had a Derby entry.”
Another dark horse recruited by the Hertfordshire handler is three-year-old Pivotal filly Spinning Rose, who hails from the family of Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry. This daughter of Pivotal began her career with Andre Fabre in France but is yet to see a racecourse. “She’s another who just needed time but again could by anything. I’ll run her over a mile or even 10 furlongs.”
