Another Sky on Derby Trajectory

Trainer Freddy Head will prepare George Strawbridge's Another Sky (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) for the Prix du Jockey Club after the colt made an impressive debut at Chantilly to become the newest 'TDN Rising Star.'

The half-brother to 2016 G1 French Derby and G1 Champion S. winner Almanzor (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) delighted the trainer, as he made most of the running and coasted home by 4 1/2 lengths, despite being eased down in the closing stages of the 1800-metre event over the all-weather track at Chantilly.

Head revealed it was the kind of performance he had been hoping for.

“He's a horse I love. He's got everything. He's a beautiful horse–he's got a lovely action, a great temperament,” he told Sky Sports Racing. “I was really waiting to see him in a race, but he was impressive. When he kicked, he really changed gear. I expected everything because I think he's a good horse, but now I'm happy and I'm relieved. The going is so bad, we've had so much rain that I didn't want to run him on very heavy ground in a turf race. The race came a bit early, but I'm very happy he's run. It gives me plenty of time for the good races.

Head also revealed that he will prepare the same owner's Call The Wind (GB) (Frankel {GB}) for another crack at the G2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) following his victory the Longines Turf H. over 15 furlongs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 29. The 6-year-old stayer was third to Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) last spring.

“I loved the way he behaved and the way he ran. That horse is still improving,” said Head. “The horse travelled very well. I'm very happy. He's come back and he looks great. If all goes well he'll go back to Meydan.

Looking further into the season, Head has no stamina concerns for Call The Wind, as he already shown he stays two and a half miles, but the G1 Ascot Gold Cup is a different matter.

“I thought even 3000 metres was a bit short for him. We won the Cadran with him (over two and a half miles in 2018). He was second last year, a bit unlucky,” he said. “We'll see. The Ascot Gold Cup is a special race. I don't want to hurt him. I want to keep him fresh. We've got many years to come.”