Group 1-winning stayer Princess Zoe (Ger) (Jukebox Jury {Ire}) will bypass the Dubai World Cup meeting at the end of March, with the G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot earmarked as her next major target.
Princess Zoe, who rapidly rose through the ranks in 2020 to win the G1 Prix du Cadran for trainer Tony Mullins, was second to Subjectivist (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) in last year's Gold Cup. The 7-year-old mare finished 10th in last weekend's G3 Red Sea Turf H. on Saudi Cup day. Mullins said of that effort, “The ground was too fast for her and she was on top of her head early, but we were afraid if we didn't have her up handy we might not be able to close,” he said. “The ground was just too fast for her and she didn't get into her comfort zone. She was in great form and it was such a pity it didn't work out.
“She's grand. She was very tired when she got home, but there's not a bother on her.”
Princess Zoe is likely to have her Ascot warmup in the G3 Vintage Crop S. at Navan on Apr. 23.
“She won't go to Dubai,” Mullins said. “I would imagine the plan at the moment is the Vintage Crop at Navan at the end of April and train her then for the Ascot Gold Cup. It won't be ideal for her, but it's the only race to suit to give her a run and have her in fine form for Ascot.”
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