Insights from those involved: Middle Park Stakes

Ed Crisford Unconcerned about Vandeek’s Ground Preference

Vandeek, a highly regarded colt purchased for 625,000 guineas at the breeze-up sales, has proven his ability on soft ground with three impressive victories. However, trainer Ed Crisford is confident that the switch to faster ground will not be an issue in Saturday’s Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

The son of Havana Grey opened his account on rain-soaked turf at Nottingham before securing a smooth success in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood on softer going. He then triumphed over highly-rated French juvenile Ramatuelle in the Prix Morny at Deauville under very soft conditions.

Crisford expressed optimism regarding Vandeek’s chances, stating, “He comes into this race on the back of a Prix Morny win and has every chance if he can replicate that form. It’s a competitive field as expected for such a prestigious race, but I believe he enters as one of the favorites.”

This will be Vandeek’s first time encountering faster ground; however, given his breeding and movement style, Crisford does not anticipate any issues.

River Tiber Aims to Close Gap

Aidan O’Brien’s River Tiber returns after finishing third behind Vandeek in the Prix Morny. Following his Coventry Stakes victory at Royal Ascot, River Tiber had been absent from racing for two months due to a setback.

Jockey Ryan Moore commented on their previous meeting with Vandeek: “Considering he wasn’t fully fit last time and had encountered setbacks prior to the race, I was pleased with how well River Tiber performed finishing just over two lengths behind him. With improved fitness levels, I expect us to be much closer this time and have a strong chance of winning this Group One.”

Contenders Looking for Redemption

Elite Status, who secured a Group Three victory in Deauville, could only manage seventh place out of nine runners in the Prix Morny. Jasour ran too freely early on before fading back to eighth position but had previously showcased an impressive turn of foot when winning the July Stakes at Newmarket.

Lake Forest, trained by William Haggas, disappointed odds-on backers at Newmarket after the July Stakes but returned to form with a convincing win in the Gimcrack at York. Jockey Tom Marquand believes that Lake Forest learned from their previous experience and is now better equipped for success.

A Promising Colt with Speed and Endurance

In his two outings so far, Task Force has displayed great potential by winning a maiden race at Salisbury and then following it up with another victory in Listed company at Ripon. Trained by Ralph Beckett, Task Force boasts an impressive pedigree as he is sired by Frankel and hails from English and French 1,000 Guineas winner Special Duty.

Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte expressed optimism about Task Force’s abilities: “While he may ultimately prefer longer distances due to his breeding lineage, there is certainly plenty of speed there. He may still be developing physically; however, we believe he has what it takes to compete against top-class horses like those found in this Group One event.”