Friend enjoys Newmarket spin
Monday 8 June 2015 17:10, UK
Hong Kong superstar Able Friend was reported to be in good shape after enjoying his first workout in Newmarket on Monday morning.
John Moore's multiple Group One winner touched down on British soil on Saturday and will be based at Michael Bell's yard ahead of his appearance in a mouthwatering Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The trainer's son and assistant, George Moore, has also made the journey from Hong Kong to oversee Able Friend's preparations and is pleased with how he has settled in.
He said: "The horse arrived on Saturday and worked on the Polytrack next to Newmarket racecourse this morning.
"He worked around 1800 metres (nine furlongs) and will go a little further tomorrow morning.
"I've known Michael (Bell) for a couple of years, we looked at a few yards when we decided to come over and decided to bring him here.
"Michael has given us a seasoned horse to lead him in his work, he (Able Friend) was having a good look around, but he does that back in Hong Kong as well.
"Everything is going good, there are no problems and we're looking forward to next week."
Able Friend is set to face strong opposition in the Royal Ascot curtain-raiser, including Richard Hannon's Lockinge hero Night Of Thunder and Freddy Head's Dubai Turf and Prix d'Ispahan winner Solow.
Moore sees the latter as Able Friend's biggest threat.
"I think the French horse is the one we've got to beat. He was good in his last Group One and looks pretty smart," he said.
