Sunway Eyes St Leger Glory After Impressive Ascot Effort

 


Sunway Eyes St Leger Glory After Impressive Ascot Effort

David Menuisier's promising three-year-old, Sunway, is set to take on a new challenge as he prepares for the prestigious Betfred St Leger at Doncaster on September 14th. The Group One-winning colt, a full-brother to the 2021 Champion Stakes victor Sealiway, has already proven his mettle on the track, and his connections are confident that the longer trip in the world’s oldest Classic could bring out the best in him.

Sunway’s racing career has been marked by consistent displays of stamina and determination. Last year, he capped his juvenile season with a resounding victory in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud, a win that solidified his reputation as a top-class prospect. This year, the son of Galiway has continued to impress, finishing a close second in the Group Three Prix Greffulhe and putting in a stellar performance in the Irish Derby, where he was beaten by less than a length.

His latest outing in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot, however, truly showcased his resilience. Under the guidance of jockey James Doyle, Sunway encountered a moment of misfortune when he lost his footing while turning into the home straight. Despite the setback, the colt regained his balance and launched a spirited rally to finish fourth, a performance that Menuisier described as "a very satisfactory effort."

Reflecting on the race, Menuisier expressed his admiration for Sunway’s tenacity. "That was a really good run considering the horse nearly fell over in the bend," he noted. "He lost his balance and all momentum, yet he managed to quicken again and go and get the fourth place. It was very pleasing to see him finish off the race."

With that impressive display in mind, Menuisier and his team have decided to step Sunway up in trip for the St Leger, a race that demands both stamina and grit over its mile-and-three-quarters distance. Sunway’s performances in the Irish Derby and the King George suggest that he has the staying power required for such a demanding race.

"You could see in the Irish Derby and also in the King George, he stayed on really well to finish both races," Menuisier explained. "Obviously, until you try, you don’t know, but he looks like the sort of horse that will improve for the trip."

Currently priced at 8-1, Sunway will head to Doncaster as a strong contender in the final Classic of the British flat racing season. After a well-deserved break, he will begin his preparation for the race, with his connections hopeful that he can deliver a performance worthy of his pedigree and potential.

As Sunway gears up for the St Leger, racing fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if this talented colt can add another illustrious victory to his burgeoning career. With his blend of class, stamina, and fighting spirit, Sunway looks poised to make a significant impact in what promises to be a thrilling contest at Doncaster.