Trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam revealed plans for a pair of her Royal Ascot stars, with G3 Hampton Court S. hero Claymore (Fr) (New Bay {GB}) set for the G2 York S. on July 23. A winner at first asking as a juvenile, he was second to subsequent G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas winner Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) in the Apr. 13 G3 Craven S. at Newmarket. Unplaced in the G1 French 2000 Guineas in mid-May, he bounced back in fine style at the Royal meeting.
“I'm glad I know my horse,” said Chapple-Hyam. “We knew what he was capable of. We knew that he could do it and it wasn't a surprise. Claymore is going for the York S. on July 23. With him, we will take each step as it comes.”
The Australian ex-pat also had an update on her Group 1-winning mare Saffron Beach (Ire), also by New Bay. Successful in the G3 Atalanta S. and G1 Sun Chariot S. last term, the chestnut turned in a solid effort to take fourth in the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan in the spring before running out a 3 1/2-length winner of the G2 Duke Of Cambridge S. at Royal Ascot. She will lock horns with Southern Hemisphere shipper Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ} in the G1 Prix Rothschild on Aug. 2.
She added, “The plan is the same. Saffron Beach is heading for the Prix Rothschild on Aug. 2. She has taken her race well. There are no problems, no issues, all is good with her.”
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