Oxx's race against time with Rock John Oxx is slightly concerned that Saddler's Rock may not have enough match practice before tackling the Ascot Gold Cup. The smart stayer was forced to miss the Vintage Crop Stakes last weekend due to a setback and now only has one option before the big day. He is due to make his seasonal reappearance in the Saval Beg Stakes on June 8 at Leopardstown. "Saddler's Rock had to miss the Vintage Crop because of a little knock. It cost us about 10 days," said Oxx. "We're stepping up his work again now but he really needs a race or two to be at his peak, so I hope to go for the Saval Beg Stakes on June 8. "It's important we get at least one run into him before Ascot. "The Saval Beg is 13 days before the Gold Cup which is on the Thursday of Royal Ascot. "Fame And Glory looked sharper this year in the Vintage Crop I thought. In the past he has raced a little lazily on his first race but he was good last Sunday. "Ours was impressive at Doncaster but it took him a few races to get to that level. I hope one race will be enough."
