All options are being considered for The Wizard Of Eye as he nears his return to racing.
The five-year-old has thrived under Charlie Fellowes this season, following up his Victoria Cup win at Ascot with a strong performance in Group One company at the Royal meeting. He was the ante-post favourite for the International Stakes at Ascot on King George day but missed that race due to a minor setback.
Currently, Fellowes is deciding on The Wizard Of Eye’s next move, having opted to skip Newbury’s Hungerford Stakes. While a trip to York for the Sky Bet City of York Stakes seems unlikely, the horse could instead be aimed at Goodwood’s William Hill Celebration Mile on August 24, where he might step up to a mile.
Another possibility is the seven-furlong event at Newcastle on August 22, which is part of the East region’s Racing League. Fellowes has also considered this option.
Fellowes commented, “He worked well on Saturday, but he had a good blow afterwards due to the time off, so I decided not to confirm him for the Hungerford. We have several options, and while York is not my first choice, we could look at the Celebration Mile at Goodwood or even a seven-furlong handicap there. The Racing League at Newcastle is also a possibility. He’s not quite ready yet and might need another week or so before he races again.”