Sir Michael Stoute ready to take aim at Godolphin's Gladiatorus

13 April 2012

Sir Michael Stoute is planning to take on Godolphin superstar Gladiatorus in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Gladiatorus is likely to be a warm favourite in the opening race of the five-day meeting as he makes his British debut, having won the Dubai Duty Free at Nad Al Sheba last time.

But the Stoute-trained Main Aim has been supplemented at a cost of £30,000, following a two-length success in a Haydock Group 3 event.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to the colt's owner Khalid Abdullah, is mindful that Main Aim is taking a big jump in class.

He said: "It is an ambitious move, obviously. He has proven himself well over six and seven furlongs, but it is a big step up by any standards, even if he was a seasoned miler.

"However, he has been a very progressive colt and we are confident that he will settle over a mile."

Godolphin have won the Queen Anne seven times since 1996, most recently with Ramonti two years ago.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor is certain that Gladiatorus, an exciting recruit from the stable of Mubarak bin Shafya, will handle the occasion.

"It will be his first race in England but that won't be a problem to him," said Bin Suroor. "I'm sure this horse is top class. Like most of ours though, he will improve a little bit for this run."

Mac Love, winner of the Group 3 Diomed Stakes at Epsom last Friday, has also been added to the field by trainer Stef Liddiard, while Paco Boy, fourth when favourite for the Lockinge, is also amongst the 10 acceptors at today's confirmation stage.

MORE ABOUT

Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Sir Michael Stoute ready to take aim at Godolphin's Gladiatorus

Read More