Saturday 8 August 2015 17:56, UK
Intilaaq is likely to be aimed at the QIPCO Champion Stakes after he continued his progression with a straightforward win in the Betfred Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock.
Roger Varian's colt was an eight-length winner of a maiden earlier in the season, after which he was stepped up markedly in class for the 2000 Guineas but found that company all too much.
Back on track at Newbury last time out, this looked a good opportunity for the 1/3 favourite and Paul Hanagan decided to keep it simple by making every yard of the running.
John Smith's Cup winner Master Carpenter briefly threatened, but Intilaaq lengthened his stride in the final furlong to win going away by five lengths.
Angus Gold, racing manager to winning owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, suggested that the Juddmonte International at York might now come too soon.
"Maybe having a horse to run at helped him last time out, but we wanted to keep it straight forward today," said Gold.
"It was a question of not getting him stuck in a pocket and out-sprinted. I thought he did it well and it looked to me as though his last furlong was the best and I am sure he will he stay further, but whether we do that next I am not sure as I have not spoken to anyone yet.
"I would say that the Juddmonte may come too quick, but it is up the Sheikh what he does. I just think he is a work in progress. He won his maiden well and then went straight up to the Guineas and we don't want to make that mistake again.
"I think he is a really good horse and see him being a Mukhadram-type horse who will improve with another winter on his back.
"The Champion Stakes is an obvious target as I think we are heading towards that level. Whether we give him a run before that or train him just for that race, I am unsure at this stage."
Varian completed a double when Realtra landed the Betfred TV/EBF Stallions Dick Hern Fillies' Stakes.
Having her first outing for a new yard having previously been trained by Richard Fahey, the three-year-old was all out to hold off 100/1 chance Wiener Valkyrie.
Crowley's Law was always handy and can be a tough filly to pass, but once again she had to settle for minor money.
Bought by Japanese connections for £290,000 in June, she boosted her paddock value considerably with the Listed win.
Jack Mitchell was the man in the saddle and he told Racing UK: "I didn't know much about her before, she was bought in June and has turned a corner since the boss got her.
"She's done it well today. I wanted a lead and plenty of cover and I followed the right horse through so it worked out well."
