Hugo Palmer is keeping his options open regarding the next steps for his promising colt, Wolf Of Badenoch.
The two-year-old, by Pinatubo, made an impressive debut in June, securing a win at Doncaster by one and a half lengths over Lazy Griff. He then finished a close second in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, where Aomori City narrowly beat him by the same margin. Cool Hoof Luke, who finished behind him, later won the Gimcrack Stakes at York.
Despite holding an entry in the Acomb Stakes at York, Palmer opted not to declare Wolf Of Badenoch, indicating that his plans were focused further ahead.
Palmer stated, "York was never really the plan. Wolf Of Badenoch could go to either the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster or the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh. He’s also entered the Royal Lodge, so we’ll see how things unfold."
In addition, stablemate Rajinsky is scheduled to make his return from a 398-day layoff in the Virgin Bet Chester Stakes this weekend, provided the weather permits.
The eight-year-old was last seen finishing 11 lengths behind in the Prix du Carrousel at Deauville in July of the previous year before undergoing surgery. Palmer is hopeful that the weather will cooperate, as Rajinsky prefers softer ground.
"He had colic surgery after his last run in France, so it’s a big achievement for him to come back. Whether he can run this weekend depends on the weather. When I left Chester this morning, the roads were quite wet, so we’ll see how much more rain falls. He won’t want fast ground."