Ed Walker hopes the weather is good in Ascot next month to give Starman a chance to end his defeat at Haydock’s Undet Sprint tournament.
The Lambourn coach admitted it was “hard to take” – yet he was proud of his horse, who led the head last weekend in adding to his winning streak in the July Cup.
All roads lead to Ascot’s Qipco Britain Champions Sprint on October 16 – as long as the ground is not too important. Starman was unable to cope with the trials in 2020, and was hit hard by a five-foot-long show behind Glen Shiel.
“We all lick our wounds a little,” said Walker, recalling Miss Starman who was near Haydock.
“It was hard to get – he ran a big race but unfortunately he didn’t take long to bring back Emaraaty Ana, who is still alive.
“I don’t think he lost anything in the defeat – another part, and he was ahead.
“If someone could guarantee me a good place I would say Ascot would be a good one. I don’t want it to be bad.
“We were running happily, and in everything except the heavy soil. We just need a little chance and the weather.”
After much disappointment at Starman’s defeat, Walker performed well with two other talented runners last week, Great Ambassador and Popmaster.
The ambassador took the Listed Garrowby Stakes to York, which Starman won in 2020, while Popmaster did well in six bouts at Ascot.
The two can clash at the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup on September 18th.
“The ambassador was amazing,” said Lambourn coach.
“We were confident that the race would work together – I know it looks crazy to win the Ayr Gold Cup, but it just seems like the right race at the right time. I think we have a good reason to go there.
“We’ll see how he is, and the Gold Cup is still his goal. He just needs to tell us he’s in a difficult situation. He seems to have come out well in the competition.
“If Popmaster enters the Gold Cup, he will go.
“He’s not going to comfort. He’s an athlete, and I think he’ll have a good year next year.”
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