2000 Guineas bid doubtful for Consort
Wednesday 8 April 2015 11:55, UK
Consort is unlikely to be ready in time to run in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket next month.
The decision has been made to give the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt more time as he continues to develop physically.
Consort, winner of his only start at Newmarket in the autumn, will consequently miss his intended seasonal debut in the Novae Bloodstock Craven Stakes at Newmarket next week.
"He'll possibly not make the Guineas. I think Sir Michael felt he worked a bit flat at the weekend and just looking at him with Sir Michael today, the horse is changing again and going through another growth phase," said Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.
"He certainly wont run in the Craven and I would say the Guineas is very unlikely at this stage.
"When horses are growing you have just got to let them go through the phase and aim for a later start to the season.
"I'm not sure when that will be. We are not talking months, we are talking hopefully a few weeks.
"He's a lovely horse and we think the world of him, but Sir Michael will never press the button until everything is absolutely spot on.
"You never want to push a horse until he is ready to be taken to the highest level."
