Royal Ascot run on Kind Of Blue’s agenda

Kind Of Blue has been handed a Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes target at Royal Ascot, having made the perfect start for owners Wathnan Racing at the course in October.

One of last year’s breakout sprinters, James Fanshawe’s consistent performer gained the Group One success his efforts deserved when landing the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes and will now be readied for another trip to Berkshire in June.

“We’re very happy with him and he’s done well over the winter. He’s not working yet, he’s just about to start and James is bringing him along gradually,” said Richard Brown, racing adviser for the owners.

“He’ll have one run somewhere, probably in the Duke of York (Stakes, May 14) before hopefully taking in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.”

The Emir of Qatar’s racing organisation enjoyed a fantastic four-timer at Royal Ascot last year with Richard Hannon’s Haatem amongst the quartet of Wathnan heroes when edging out Kikkuli in a thrilling edition of the Jersey Stakes.

A minor setback – discovered on the way to the start of the Prix Jacques le Marois – curtailed his season, but connections have been buoyed by his early work this spring, with the son of Phoenix Of Spain in line for a bet365 Mile return at Sandown on April 25.

“Haatem had a long break over the winter and he’s been back with Richard for just over a month,” said Brown.

“He did an easy piece of work down the back stretch at Newbury on Wednesday and everyone seemed very happy with him. We’ll probably look to start him off in the mile race at Sandown and I think we’ll campaign him at that distance.”

Also set to return over a mile is Karl Burke’s Fallen Angel, who drops back to her Classic-winning distance for the Lockinge Stakes (Newbury, May 17) having last been seen over 10 furlongs in the Prix de l’Opera.

“She’s doing well and is up and working, she looks great and is moving well and the plan would be to start her in the Lockinge,” added Brown.

“She had a period of time in the field at Newsells Park and did very well for that and we’re looking forward to her this year.”