Charlie Hills’ Duo Set for American Glory at Kentucky Downs

Charlie Hills will launch a two-pronged assault on American soil this Saturday as Ancient Rome and Khaadem take aim at big-money graded races at Kentucky Downs. Both British raiders are seeking lucrative prize money, with Hills confident they can make a significant impact on the American racing scene.

Ancient Rome returns to the scene of his triumph 12 months ago in the $1 million Mint Millions Stakes. Ridden once again by Jamie Spencer, the five-year-old will attempt to defend his crown after securing victory in dramatic fashion last year, surging from behind to clinch the race by half a length. The son of War Front now hopes to replicate that success and claim another sizeable payday in this mile contest.

This season, Ancient Rome has already made waves on both sides of the Atlantic. Although he finished down the field in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot, he bounced back to take second in the Group Two Summer Mile Stakes at the same venue. His most recent outing saw him place third in the Arlington Million, finishing just over two lengths behind Charlie Appleby’s Nations Pride.

Hills is optimistic about Ancient Rome’s chances, especially given his familiarity with Kentucky Downs’ unique layout. “He’s travelled over really well. I’ve been very happy with him,” Hills said. “We know he handles the track, which is a big plus. It’s not the most straightforward of tracks, but his form has been very good this year, better than it was last year really.”

Ancient Rome will face stiff competition from the formidable team of Aidan O’Brien and Frankie Dettori, who saddle Mountain Bear. However, Hills remains confident that his charge can deliver another winning performance: “Hopefully it is an open sort of race. We’ve beaten one of them before in the Arlington Million, so he should have a good chance.”

Meanwhile, stablemate Khaadem also makes his U.S. debut in the Grade Two Ainsworth Turf Sprint Stakes, where he’ll be chasing an impressive $944,882 prize. The eight-year-old veteran has enjoyed another stellar season, highlighted by his successful defense of the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Hills is hopeful that Khaadem’s proven form on fast ground will help him adjust to the Kentucky circuit and take home the victory. “He seems to have travelled over nicely. We’ve been happy with the way he’s been training over here, we just need to see how he gets on with the track really,” said Hills.

Khaadem’s strong record on firm ground gives him an edge in the conditions expected at Kentucky Downs. “We know he needs fast ground, which you’re certainly not going to get in England. He’s probably got some of the best form in the race – he’s one of the highest rated,” Hills added.

Aidan O’Brien also has a presence in the Turf Sprint Stakes, sending over Greenfinch and Chief Little Rock, both of whom will be ridden by Dettori as part of a formidable challenge from the Ballydoyle operation.

With both Ancient Rome and Khaadem looking sharp and well-prepared, Hills’ raiders could be poised for success in Kentucky’s rich and competitive contests.