Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon has confirmed Kikkuli (GB) (Kingman {GB}) will be pointed to Sandown's Listed Chasemore Farm Stud Staff Heron S. on May 23 for his next step up in class.
Famous for his relation to Frankel (GB), and by the operation's Classic-winning sire, the colt showed his connections encouraging signs when graduating from the maiden ranks in his seasonal return Apr. 16 at Newmarket for conditioner Harry Charlton, who then admitted that having the half-brother to such an illustrious horse was 'wonderful' but came with a little added pressure. Should Kikkuli post another positive performance, then targets at Royal Ascot could come into play.
“It was brilliant to see what he did and he had a big run at Newmarket last year [on debut] when he was about 75-80 per cent. That was a big run and the form of the race was franked,” said Mahon. “Tuesday was good and I thought in the last furlong, if he wanted to give it up he could have, and he didn't. He stuck his head out and went on and [jockey] Ryan [Moore] was complimentary of him.”
“He came out of the [maiden breaking win] well and we will now look forward to the Heron [Stakes] with him. It looks to be the next logical step and if he is ready for another step up after that, it brings you nicely into Royal Ascot and a whole host of races.”
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