William Haggas could aim leading Investec Oaks contender Born With Pride at the rescheduled Classic Trial at Kempton on June 8.
The three-year-old would be stepping up to Group 3 company for the first time after winning the Listed Montrose Fillies’ Stakes on her sole start last year. She beat Peaceful by a neck under Tom Marquand.
“I haven’t spoken to owner Mrs Tsui yet but I’m looking to run Born With Pride in the Classic Trial,” Haggas told Luck on Sunday. “She’s very well-bred and a strong galloper. She’s always shown a bit at home and looked good at Newmarket.”
Born With Pride is as short as 8-1 for the Oaks on July 8 and most firms make her the second favourite behind Quadrilateral.
Haggas was asked about another potential Classic contender, Al Aasy, who he had previously suggested could be a Derby horse.
He finished third on soft ground on his sole start at Newmarket last October and his trainer believes he will improve over longer trips.
“I think seven furlongs on soft ground is about the worst thing for him,” said Haggas. “He wants a mile and a quarter, probably a mile and a half. When we get him over that distance he might improve. He’ll need to improve about two stone from his Newmarket run.”
While racing was suspended in Britain, Haggas won three big races in Australia with Young Rascal, who is now half-owned by OTI Racing, and Addeybb, winner of back-to-back Group 1s.
“If we had a few thunderstorms Addeybb could go for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes on June 17 at Royal Ascot,” added Haggas.
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