Medicean poised for Sussex bid

Cheveley Park Stud managing director Chris Richardson today brushed aside fears that the step back to a mile in next week`s Champagne Lanson Sussex Stakes will hinder Medicean.

Sir Michael Stoute`s charge, the winner of the Coral Eurobet Eclipse Stakes on his latest start, puts his unbeaten record this season on the line in next Wednesday`s highlight of the Glorious Goodwood meeting.

Richardson indicated that final confirmation of Medicean`s participation in the Stg#275,000 contest rests upon discussions between the trainer and the owners but he hopes that the colt will be lining up next Wednesday.

'We were delighted with the way that he came through the Eclipse and Sir Michael is pleased with his progress since,' Richardson said.

Medicean has five career victories to his name over a mile and his success in the Eclipse was the first time that he succeeded over another two furlongs.

Commenting on the return to a mile, Richardson said: 'Having won the Celebration Mile at Goodwood last year, he confirmed himself as a horse competitive over that trip.

'The Eclipse was to establish if he stayed the extra distance and he proved that he does. I`d be optimistic that the return to a mile would not be to his disadvantage.

'I think the ground is a factor as Medicean prefers top-of-the-ground. A summer campaign is important to him and Goodwood is recognised as a track for that type of surface.

'He`s a horse who almost does too well and it`s important that he`s kept going, rather than taking longish breaks, as he thrives on his racing.'

The Michael Jarvis-trained Ameerat, winner of the Sagitta 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, is another probable runner in the Sussex, while Ireland`s champion trainer Aidan O`Brien still has 13 entries to choose from including Bach, Black Minnaloushe, Bonnard and King Charlemagne.

Richard Hannon has both Tamburlaine and Cape Town, unbeaten this season, still engaged in the Group One event, but the former is more likely to take in an alternative engagement at the same meeting, the Group Three Theo Fennell Lennox Stakes next Friday.

The going at Goodwood is currently good to firm following over an inch and a half of rain last week and watering will take place as necessary.