Dual Group 2 winner Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) is being aimed at Epsom's June 4 G1 Coronation Cup. Co-trainer William Muir, who trains with Chris Grassick, has indicated his stable star exited his second-place finish in the G2 Jockey Club S. on May 1 in good order. A winner of the G2 King Edward VII S. and G2 Great Voltigeur S. in 2020, Pyledriver was also third in the G1 St Leger at Doncaster in September prior to an unplaced run in the G1 QIPCO Champion S. a month later.
“He's come out of his race really well,” said Muir. “His legs are grand, he's trotted well, he's eaten his food, he's fine. He was probably just shy of match fitness and that left him a bit fresh. I did that on purpose as this race wasn't the first and foremost.
“My main objective is to win Group 1s with him this year. The ground was very quick and, getting tired that last bit, he just rolled around, but he's come out of it well. That will settle him.
“We've finished second in a Group 2 and we're in great shape for going forwards. He goes straight to Epsom now for the Coronation. Win, lose or draw, he was always going to go there. He will be perfect come Epsom. There will be no excuses there and there were no excuses on Saturday. Sir Ron Priestley (GB) (Australia {GB}) was better than we were.
“Pyledriver had a little light canter on Monday morning. We're very pleased and it's onwards and upwards.”
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