Daiquiri Bay handed Champions Day target

Daiquiri Bay will bid to follow in the illustrious hoofprints of his former stablemate Trueshan at Ascot in October, with Alan King targeting the Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup for his Ebor winner.

Trueshan won on Champions Day three years on the bounce between 2020 and 2022, his first victory coming off the back of an eighth place finish in York’s prestigious midsummer handicap.

Daiquiri Bay was completing a hat-trick when triumphing on the Knavesmire, having previously won at Newmarket and Royal Ascot – and while he has some way to go to match the achievements of the stable’s late superstar stayer, King is looking forward to testing his powers at Group One level.

“He’s come out of York well. I haven’t done much with him, but he’s bright and well in his paddock, I’m very happy with him,” said the Barbury Castle handler.

“He’ll probably go to Ascot and he’ll probably get an entry in the Prix Royal-Oak as well, I would have thought.

“He’s rated 110 now, so he’s rated higher than Trueshan was at a similar stage. Trueshan was 109 when he got beat in the Ebor and he went and won at Ascot for the first time after that.

“I’m not saying he’s as good as Trueshan, don’t get me wrong, but he’s only a four-year-old and he could improve again.”

King previously raised the possibility of Daiquiri Bay pursuing a career over obstacles, but that idea looks to have been shelved.

“That is a definite no,” he added.