In preparation for the upcoming Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, star jockey James McDonald has given Australian filly Coolangatta his tick of approval after a significant track work on Wednesday.
McDonald, who rode last year’s King’s Stand Stakes victor, Nature Strip, partnered the promising three-year-old in an 800m gallop up Ascot’s iconic straight. According to him, Coolangatta’s performance surpassed that of her recent Flemington jumpout.
“She was excellent, I was actually really thrilled with her,” said McDonald. “Her last two (400m), she was there to open her lungs up a bit…she enjoyed herself out there, took everything in her stride, and pulled up really well after the gallop, so it was a very pleasing gallop.”
The daughter of Written Tycoon, trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, was hosted by Lambourne trainer Charlie Hills for this exercise. During the gallop, Coolangatta outpaced a lead horse provided by Hills, indicating her readiness for the high-stakes race.
Commenting on the filly’s growth since he partnered with her during her exceptional juvenile campaign, McDonald noted, “I can’t believe the progression she’s made… she’s definitely a more furnished mare now.”
With this promising build-up, McDonald is hopeful that Coolangatta, a dual Group 1 winner and star racehorse, can demonstrate her prowess at the upcoming race next Tuesday.