Araafa Handed Top Assignments

Jeremy Noseda has all the big mile races in his sights with Araafa after the highly-talented three-year-old floored the field in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The 2-1 favourite always had the Group One contest at his mercy and readily pulled clear when asked for his effort by Alan Munro just over two furlongs out.

Winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas when beating George Washington, Araafa powered home with two lengths to spare over Stormy River (7-2), with Ivan Denisovich and Marcus Andronicus leading an Aidan O'Brien three-four.

Newmarket-based Noseda said: 'He never looked like he was going to get beat and it was a great performance. When he kicked on it was all over.

'There are the obvious races for him now like the Sussex Stakes, the Queen Elizabeth II, Prix du Moulin and even the Breeders' Cup but it would be nice to see him go on and take on the older horses.

'He keeps progressing and his work has improved again since Ireland. I was just a little edgy, hoping he would show that on the racecourse, and I think we saw that.

'I went to Ireland ? not just for the sake of running ? and he did the job there, and I hope he will get the credit he deserves now.'

Following an arguably average juvenile campaign, Araafa has blossomed this term and Noseda revealed that it was a piece of work under Shane Kelly earlier this year that indicated his ability.

'We started working him in the spring and I was happy with his initial work, then Shane rode a piece of work on Racecourse Side and got off and said he was a Guineas horse,' he said.

'He's got a great cruising speed, he can kick, and I think it'll take a mighty good one to beat him.

'I'd like a rematch with George Washington, I look forward to it.'

Cashmans believe George Washington is the most likely victor in any rematch, pricing the Ballydoyle contender up at 8-11 with Araafa at even-money.

Munro, whose last Royal success came on Face North in the 1994 Hunt Cup, said: 'He's a mile champion now and that's fantastic. He's very uncomplicated and that's brilliant for the rider.

'He leaves the gate fast, he travels strongly and he's got a good turn of foot.'

Nicolas Clement, trainer of the runner-up, said: 'He was too keen last time in the French Guineas and he was too cool here ? we'll get it right next time hopefully.

'We'll give him a rest and then maybe train him for the Prix du Moulin and Queen Elizabeth II, or we might stretch him a furlong given the way he ran.

'We were hoping he could lay up a bit closer but he surprised us. We taught him to relax so much in the morning, he probably over-relaxed.

(C) PA Sport