Monogram team weighing up options for final outing of year

Ahead of a key weekend of juvenile action at Newmarket, the Monogram team are contemplating where to give their exciting National Stakes runner-up one final outing of the campaign.

Juddmonte’s first ever runner with Joseph O’Brien made a splash when winning on his debut and was tasked with an immediate leap up to Group One level when supplemented for a return to the Curragh during the Irish Champions Festival.

He found just stablemate Folsom Blues too good on that occasion, but his team were delighted with such a fine performance from their inexperienced colt.

“We were over the moon with him and thought it was a huge run for a horse having only his second start,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for the owners.

“He did exactly what Joseph said he might do and travelled well before getting a little bit lost when they quickened before finishing off his race well.

“I think when he becomes a bit more streetwise, either the next day or after that, he’s going to be a high-class prospect.”

Monogram holds an entry in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on October 10, but Mahon envisages one final outing for the son of Kingman’s two-year-old year could come at a slightly lower level, with the aim of heading into winter quarters with further experience garnered and confidence high.

He continued: “We’re thinking one more start and then put him away, I’m not sure where that will be yet and he will probably do his first piece of work back this weekend and after that we can make a plan.

“He doesn’t necessarily have to run in another Group One. He’s a very big horse and all about next year, so we could slot him into a Listed or Group Three over a mile and hopefully win then put him away.

“It’s all about giving him enough experience for next year where he’s going to be going into deeper waters. So we might just drop down a peg or two and win our race and then look forward to next year.”

Also set for one further appearance this term is Ger Lyons’ Ingabelle Stakes winner Maire Rua having enhanced her record in great style at Leopardstown earlier this month.

Mahon added: “She’s a lovely filly and has always been held in high regard by Ger and Colin (Keane).

“She did what we hoped she would do and I think she is a filly who wants a mile and maybe even 10 furlongs next year.

“We’ll look to have one more start this year. There’s a couple of Group races we’ll probably have a look at then put her away for the year.”