Hugo Palmer was "very pleased" with Seagulls Eleven's performance in the National Stakes at the Curragh and is planning another Group One attempt before the season ends.
The Galileo Gold colt ran prominently throughout the race and finished a commendable third behind Scorthy Champ, despite being interfered with by the runner-up Henri Matisse.
After winning a novice race at Haydock and securing second in the Group Two Superlative Stakes at Newmarket behind the unbeaten Ancient Truth, Palmer is keen to keep Seagulls Eleven competing at the highest level.
Palmer said: "We’re keeping all options open right now. The Royal Lodge is unlikely, but we’re considering the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, the Dewhurst, and possibly the Breeders’ Cup. I’d expect him to run only once more this year."
He added, "He seems ready for a mile now, but if we stay in Europe, we’ll probably stick to seven furlongs."
Palmer, who trained Galileo Gold to win the 2000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes in 2016, believes Seagulls Eleven, owned by a group of Brighton & Hove Albion players, has the potential to follow a similar path.
Reflecting on the Irish race, Palmer noted: "He showed a lot of grit and would have finished second if he hadn’t been bumped. He was holding his own but got shuffled back after being bumped by a wayward horse. It’s a bit frustrating because he ran a tough race and showed good gate speed, which could be an asset if we head to the Breeders’ Cup."
He continued, "We’re very pleased with him. He’s versatile on the ground and rated similarly to his sire as a two-year-old. His father ended the season third in Group One, so we’re hopeful for more improvement. He’s a bigger horse than his sire, and while size doesn’t always guarantee improvement, there’s more potential with a bigger horse."
Palmer concluded, "We’re hopeful for his development over the winter, with the Guineas likely being a target for next season."