Craig Lidster is weighing options for Alfa Kellenic after her impressive five-timer victory at York.
Since breaking her maiden in January on the all-weather, Alfa Kellenic has excelled in handicaps, recently winning at York off a mark of 88. This success at the Ebor Festival represents Lidster’s biggest triumph in his early training career, and he is now eyeing more significant achievements for the three-year-old filly, owned by Goodracingco, Paul Hanagan, and Simon Mapletoft.
Alfa Kellenic is entered for next month’s Ayr Gold Cup, and a trip to Scotland is a serious consideration. However, given her versatility, including a victory over seven furlongs, connections are also contemplating a step up in grade to pursue valuable black type.
Lidster remarked, “We have a high opinion of the filly and have brought her along steadily. She’s performed admirably, and we might aim for black type now. The Ayr Gold Cup was initially a target, but we’re exploring all options rather than focusing solely on that race. The Ayr Gold Cup is a significant race with a £250,000 prize, but we might also look for black-type opportunities. We have a handicap mark to consider as well, and decisions will depend on the views of the owners and me. There’s a potential Group Three at Doncaster over seven furlongs, but we’ll address these choices next week and decide on the best course of action.”