A Singapore connection could see UK trainer seek more Australian glory via USA
UK-based trainer Charlie Fellowes has earmarked the Cox Plate as a potential long-term target for his three-year-old colt Luther, who gears up to run in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes at Saratoga in New York on Saturday morning Australian time.
A winner at listed level as a two-year-old before finishing fifth in the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes (1600m) at Newmarket, the son of Frankel has shown a good level of form in three starts to date this season.
Following a promising reappearance finishing second at Chelmsford, Charlie Fellowes’ colt was impressive in finishing fourth in the Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (1600m) at Longchamp in May.
He subsequently beat only three horses home when stepping up to 2100-metres for the Group 1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly last month, but Fellowes feels he had legitimate excuses on that occasion and retains full belief in his colt as he gears up to do battle on American soil over 1800-metres.
“He’s really good and has taken the journey over there like a champ,” Fellowes said.
“He had a little blow yesterday morning on the dirt, he looks fantastic, he’s eaten everything that we’ve thrown at him and all the usual boxes that you want to tick when you go away have been ticked.
“I’ve always thought America would suit him at some stage in his career. At the end of the day, I’m trying to find the best opportunity for my horse to win the biggest race he can possibly win and there’s no bigger race than a Grade 1.”
The Grade 1 Saratoga Derby (1911m) in August is Fellowes’ next aim for the three-year-old but further forward, the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) is on the connections’ radar and following the same stepping stone as 2021 Cox Plate winner State Of Rest towards the Moonee Valley showpiece.
“Long term, the Saratoga Derby is a win-and-you’re-in for the Cox Plate,” Fellowes told Sky Sports.
“Although that’s a very, very long way away, the owner, Mr Hickman who owns 75% of him, lives in Singapore and I know would love for him to head down to Australia.”
Fellowes travelled stayer Prince Of Arran to Melbourne for placings in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in 2018, 2019 and 2020 together with wins in the Group 2 Lexus Stakes (2500m) and Group 2 Geelong Cup (2400m).
