Before Trueshan makes his seasonal comeback in the Longines Sagaro Stakes at Ascot, Alan King reports that everything is going well with him, but he acknowledges that his gallant veteran will face challenges due to his Group One penalty.
The eight-year-old must give up all weight after winning the elite-level Prix du Cadran at Paris Longchamp later that September, which came after winning the Doncaster Cup in September of last year.
King's worries are reasonable given that he placed only fourth in this race a year ago, behind the reopposing Coltrane on equal terms. Additionally, the official ratings currently have Quickthorn, trained by Hughie Morrison, and that old rival rated 1lb higher.
Trueshan's homework at home and the recent rain in Berkshire, however, offer additional reasons for hope.
“I do think he probably needs a personal best, as there are two horses rated above him and he has to give them 7lb,” said King. “He’s in great form and Hollie (Doyle) rode him to work at home on Saturday morning. I’m not sure she has ever ridden him work at home, but she came in and she was delighted with him. The forecast is encouraging and he’s ready to start. Conceding weight to Hughie’s horse and Coltrane will be tough, but it’s a nice starting point.”
Trueshan began his campaign last year at Nottingham with a close loss to Rajinsky. However, the gelding was given a wind-op this spring and was never considered for the postponed Further Flight Stakes.
King added: “We had done his wind a week or so before, so we couldn’t have taken him to Nottingham anyway. We did it last year and the soft palate is something you can probably do annually with some horses. Although I had no inclination there was a problem, we just had it done again.”