Two chestnuts on different continents have lit up the boards for China Horse Club in less than 24 hours, in the process lifting the club’s seasonal tally of winners to 47. The talented but lightly raced Copper Town was the first of the Club’s winning double when saluting in the United States, before Harrison Point matched his effort when posting his second win in a month in the United Kingdom.
Copper Town is now expected to be given his chance to earn a place at the season ending Breeders’ Cup meet after returning to winning form overnight in the United States. The lightly raced six-year-old controlled his allowance contest from the outset, hinting at the talented that had his start second favourite in the 2018 G1 Cigar Mile.
A succession of minor setbacks has seen Copper Town front only five times since the Cigar Mile but trainer Wesley Ward appears to have the striking entire in a good space at present. Copper Town remains unqualified for the USD2,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (1200m) but is expected to be given his chance to meet that requirement in the USD250,000 G2 Phoenix Stakes (1200m) at Keeneland in October.
The Phoenix Stakes has been used as a successful prelude the Breeders’ Cup Sprint previously with Runhappy (2015) and Work All Week (2014) completing the double most recently. It’s importance this year is exacerbated with the Breeders’ Cup set to be held at the same venue the following month.
“Copper Town has always been a talented horse, unfortunately setbacks have stopped us seeing those talents regularly,” said Michael Wallace, COO of China Horse Club.
“The Phoenix Stakes is a quality sprint and Copper Town will face testing opposition there. Wesley [Ward] is happy with how Copper Town came through the race and hopefully he can improve to go to the next level like he will need to.”
China Horse Club’s Improbable is targeting the Breeders’ Cup after successive G1 wins in 2020. The qualification of Copper Town would be a wonderful result for the Club and provide it with a strong hand on one of the world’s biggest race days.
Stakes company may also beckon Harrison Point before the year is out but the immediate intention is to keep him to handicap company while the handicapper allows it. The home bred colt has improved his record to four wins from only eight career starts and gives the impression he is still open to further improvement as he continues to grow into his frame.
Regular rider Hollie Doyle was again impressed by Harrison Point’s courage under fire, steering him to another determined win.
“[Harrison Point] is really tough. He had a really good gallop today,” Doyle said.
“I was a little worried down the back straight because he is quite a leggy horse and you have to let him get into his own rhythm before you press on with him. Between the 4 [furlong marker] and the 5 [furlong marker] his head dropped and he got into a nice rhythm and the further he went the better.
“He dug deep like he did at Ayr [last start]. He had every chance to chuck it in but he’s very tough and consistent.”
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