Breeding & Racing Magazine

Aust Sprinters Aim At Different UK Targets

Meanwhile UK-bound Australian sprinters Takeover Target & Scenic Blast "are unlikely to clash at Royal Ascot in June," reported The Herald-Sun. Following his latest victory in the weekend's Gr1 T.J.Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in Sydney, evergreen 9YO gelding & 2006 Global Sprint Challenge champion Takeover Target (Celtic Swing-Shady Stream, by Archregent) is scheduled to contest the Gr1 Goodwood Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville in Adelaide on May 2, followed by Singapore's Gr1 KrisFlyer Sprint (1200m) on May 17 (which he won last year) & then continue on his 4th trip to Royal Ascot in England for the Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes (6 furlongs) on June 20. However trainer Danny Morton confirmed 4YO gelding Scenic Blast (Scenic-Daughter's Charm, by Delgado) will avoid a clash with his compatriot by contesting the UK Gr1 King's Stand Stakes (5 furlongs) on June 16 & then the Gr1 July Cup (6 furlongs) at Newmarket a month later. Morton declared: "After seeing what Takeover Target did last Saturday, I'm thrilled to be dodging him! He's a superstar. I watched him on TV on the way to the gates & I've got to say he's never looked better or been freer in his action." Morton added Scenic Blast would also bypass a clash with Takeover Target in Singapore's KrisFlyer Sprint on his way to England, noting: "I'm keen to get over there fresh. If I think he needs a trial or a jump-out before he goes, I'll do that; but I want to get him there fresh."