Aclaim set for another French exam after winning Park Stakes at Doncaster
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
By Racinguk.com staff
Aclaim was rewarded for a fine effort in defeat in the Prix Maurice de Gheest by going one better in the Alan Wood Plumbing And Heating Park Stakes at Doncaster.
Martyn Meade's four-year-old had gone close over six and a half furlongs behind Brando in France and this seven was more up his street as he got up close home to take the Group Two spoils.
A steady pace was set by Spirit Of Valor towards the far side and Home Of The Brave towards the stands rail, but they all grouped together as the race hotted up.
Oisin Murphy managed to weave Aclaim (3-1) into a challenging position and get the better of Nathra by three-quarters of a length. Home Of The Brave battled on for third spot another length away.
Murphy said: "I got a lovely tow into it, it was a bit tight but when you are on a class horse I'd rather do that than waste ground and come out.
"He's been very well prepared by connections, they deserve a lot of credit. I haven't won a Group One yet, but it would be lovely if I got the opportunity in France (Prix de la Foret)."
Meade said: "He's just going the right way now. It was a shame he didn't win in France, in another few strides he probably would have done. We've got to look for a Group One now, that's two Group Twos he's won.
"He'll go to the Foret next, seven furlongs is his trip and softer ground is no issue. That was pretty impressive today, you can ride him anywhere."
The trainer also had news of Eminent, third in the Irish Champion Stakes on his latest start.He said the colt had begun is winter holiday and suggested thenPrince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot could be his first target in 2018.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager for Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, owner of runner-up Nathra, said: "That was a very good run from her, she needs very soft ground.
"It will either be the Sun Chariot or the Foret next, wherever the softest ground is."
Hugo Palmer, trainer of third-placed Home Of The Brave, was not at Doncaster, but he tweeted: "Huge run from Home Of The Brave on ground that he doesn't love. Only out of the 3 once in his last 9 starts. All roads lead to @BreedersCup."
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