Matauri Bay is set to test his capabilities at Group One level before the end of the season after a commendable performance in the Solario Stakes at Sandown on Saturday, where he narrowly missed out to Field Of Gold.
The Lope De Vega colt, who is a sibling to Breeders’ Cup winner Aunt Pearl, had previously won comfortably on his debut at Leicester. Moving up to Group Three company, Matauri Bay finished well behind the heavily favoured John and Thady Gosden runner, proving to be the best of the rest.
The Gosden-trained winner appears to be heading for the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc weekend, and while a rematch in Paris is a possibility for the Ralph Beckett-trained Matauri Bay, there are also significant races available on home turf.
Alex Elliott, racing adviser to part-owner Valmont, commented: "He ran a very good race. The draw, in the end, compromised us a bit as we had to sit on the rail, just behind Oisin (Murphy) on third-placed Royal Playwright, which made it hard to manoeuvre. We knew the risks and had to ride him accordingly. He was a bit green when we needed him to accelerate, but once he got clear, he finished strongly. I’ve read that he clocked the fastest last two furlongs, and Hector (Crouch) was pleased with his performance, though naturally disappointed not to win. We received a rating of 108 this morning, which opens up several options for us. We’re considering the Futurity Trophy, the Lagardere, or the Dewhurst, and we’ll likely aim for one of those. I wouldn’t be afraid to take him on again, especially on soft ground, which should suit him. He’s shaping up to be a top two-year-old."
Another standout for Beckett and Valmont this season has been You Got To Me, which achieved Classic success in the Irish Oaks in July. However, the runner-up Content reversed the form in the Yorkshire Oaks at York last month.
While no firm plans have been made yet, the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot currently seems the most likely target.
"She’s come out of the race at York well, but we’re still considering her options," Elliott added. "At the moment, the fillies’ and mares’ race on Champions Day is the preferred option."