Palmer Weighs Lagardere Supplement for The Waco Kid

Hugo Palmer is considering a swift return to action for The Waco Kid, with the possibility of supplementing him for Sunday’s Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp, following his impressive victory in the Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket.

The Waco Kid, a consistent performer since stepping into stakes company, finally secured a Group Three win last Thursday with ease on the Rowley Mile. Despite his readiness for a step-up to Group One level, the colt wasn’t originally entered for upcoming top-tier races, leaving Palmer and owners, The Gene Genies, to contemplate their next move.

Supplementing for the Lagardere would cost €28,800 at Thursday’s deadline, but Palmer is giving serious thought to entering the young talent in the prestigious race.

"We’re considering whether to supplement for the Lagardere," Palmer said. "He’s come out of Newmarket in great form, very tough, and takes his racing well. He doesn’t lose weight and looks fantastic—he was full of energy the next morning."

"The entry fee is €28,800, so it needs careful consideration, but we can gauge to some extent who else might run. There were 12 horses left in the race this morning, and we’ll have to see how the field shapes up. If it’s still a strong 12-runner race, we might pass on the opportunity, but if it thins out, we could take a shot."

If the decision is made to skip France, The Waco Kid will likely head straight to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

He may be joined in California by stablemate Seagulls Eleven, who finished third in the National Stakes and is co-owned by Brighton & Hove Albion footballer James Milner. Palmer is considering sending both horses to the Breeders’ Cup.

"We’re quite keen on the Breeders’ Cup plan for The Waco Kid, so it’s just a matter of whether we go to France first," Palmer added. "If we don’t go to France, it will likely be straight to the Breeders’ Cup. The Dewhurst will probably be stronger than the Lagardere, but we’ll decide soon."

"Seagulls Eleven is also likely to go to the Breeders’ Cup, and we’ll leave him in the Dewhurst on Monday before making our final decision." 

The Waco Kid is also entered in the horses-in-training sale later in October, but if he heads to the Breeders’ Cup, Palmer confirmed he wouldn’t be sold.