David Barron’s smart sprinter Hitchens is set to bid for Group One glory in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.
The six-year-old secured his first success in Pattern company in Saturday’s Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh and his Thirsk handler believes he now deserves a step up to the highest level.
“He’s been threatening to win a race like that and it’s great he’s gone and done it now,” Barron said.
“He looked like he was coming to win the race at York the time before, but he didn’t and finished fourth. He’s done it in Ireland, though, so it’s great.
“I had a chat with the owners this morning and I think he’ll go to Ascot for the Golden Jubilee next.
“The only other option is the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle but that’s a Group Three and now he’s won one, he’d have to carry a penalty there.
“On the face of it he might not be good enough for the Jubilee, but they won’t all beat him and he might go and pick up a bit of prize money.
“He’s a six-year-old now and I think he looks better in himself this year than he ever has.”
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