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Ballet Concerto set for Haydock Group test

Ballet Concerto wins the 58th John Smith's Cup at York
Image: Ballet Concerto

Ballet Concerto could step up to Group company following his victory in the 58th John Smith's Cup at York last Saturday.

Sir Michael Stoute's four-year-old relished the step up to an extended mile and a quarter on the Knavesmire to land one of the most competitive handicaps in the calendar.

Connections might now look to give him a chance in a higher grade at that distance, with the Betfred Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock on August 12 a possible target.

"He looked good on Saturday and is a progressive horse. He's come back well and Sir Michael is very happy with him," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail.

"I think a mile and a quarter is his best trip as it makes him travel that bit easier.

"I'm not sure what he'll go for. There aren't many suitable handicaps like the one at York, so do you go up into a Group Three?

"The horse has come back in good shape. I think the Rose of Lancaster could be an option, but we'll leave that in the expert hands of Sir Michael Stoute."

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The four-year-old spiked a temperature which caused him to miss the Group Two contest and a first attempt at a mile and a half.

However, connections are still keen to step him up in trip and are looking at the Glorious Stakes at the Sussex venue on August 4.

Raymond said: "He got a bit of a temperature, so he couldn't run.

"I think he might be aimed at a race at Goodwood, the Group Three Glorious Stakes over a mile and a half."

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