Hatteen given Gordon aim after Doncaster romp

Hatteen could put his St Leger credentials to the test in Goodwood’s Gordon Stakes, with his free ticket to the Doncaster Classic ready and waiting to be stamped following his victory at the track on Thursday.

Andrew Balding’s son of Lope De Vega relished the step up to a mile and a half when opening his account in the Betfred St Leger Trial Novice Stakes and is getting better with every start, leaving connections delighted with his progress.

Alison Begley, UK racing manager for owners Al Shaqab Racing said: “He was very impressive and had been working well at home.

“The step up in distance to a mile and a half suited. The likelihood is he’ll run in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood next and that will tell us more where we’re heading with him in regards a target for the rest of the season.”

Newmarket Form Line Bolsters Classic Credentials

Hatteen’s victory came on the same afternoon the form of his previous Newbury second to the King and Queen’s Point Of Law was further franked when that colt won Newmarket’s Group Three Bahrain Trophy.

The duo could clash again in Classic company at Town Moor in September if both continuing on their current upward trajectories, but for now the Hatteen team are willing to take it “one step at a time”.

Begley added: “The form of when he was second at Newbury is working very well and Andrew has said he has just kept on improving.

“He’s a proper middle-distance type of improving colt which is exciting and we have been thrilled with him. He deserved his win after being second a few times.

“The Leger would be considered for him depending what happens at Goodwood, but he’s going up into Pattern company now and we’ll have to take one step at a time and see after he’s run in the Gordon Stakes where we’re heading with him.”