Desert Crown enjoys spin in Newmarket, with Sandown return looming On Friday morning, Desert Crown enjoyed a successful gallop in Newmarket ahead of his comeback on Thursday in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown. Since his stunning victory in the Derby almost a year ago, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt has been off the track. However, thanks to his owner's determination to secure more middle-distance prizes, the colt has remained in training and is set to return in excellent form. Stoute has won this contest 11 times before, including with the colt's stablemate Bay Bridge last year. Regular jockey Richard Kingscote partnered Nathaniel colt on the Limekilns and his connections are delighted with his preparation on the grass: “We were very pleased to get him on the grass on the round gallop on the Limekilns and he worked very nicely and finished in front of his lead horse,” said Bruce Raymond, racing manager for the owner. “I’m not sure if he does too much at home now, but he shouldn’t need to, he will be in good shape going into the Brigadier Gerard.” Desert Crown is one of eight in the mix for the Sandown Group Three and could be joined by stablemate and regular gallops partner Solid Stone. Also on the comeback trail is Owen Burrows’ Hukum who has been on the sidelines for virtually the same amount of time as Desert Crown having not been seen since landing the Coronation Cup the day before the latter’s Epsom triumph. Group One-winning filly Nashwa is one of two in the mix for John and Thady Gosden alongside Francesco Clemente, while the David Simcock-trained Cash was beaten a short head by subsequent Irish Derby champion Westover over track and trip in the Classic Trial last term and could make just his second start at the distance. Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Royal Ascot winner Claymore and Keith Dalgleish’s Chichester complete the list of entrants.
