James Tate makes French connection with Hey Gaman
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Watch video analysis of the Greenham Stakes won by James Garfield from Oli Bell, James Willoughby and former jockey George Baker from The Verdict on Racing UK on Monday.
James Tate is keen to step Hey Gaman up in class and trip for the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp on May 13.
The Newmarket handler has earmarked the mile contest as the next target for the three-year-old after he finished third on his seasonal return in the Greenham at Newbury on Saturday.
Tate said: "Initially, I was a bit disappointed that we came third but it was his first run of the year and he was only beaten three-quarters of a length by two Group Two winners.
"He is a massive, big horse and he will definitely come on significantly for that. Following on from that he has come out of the race well and he will probably go to the French Guineas.
"It is possible in time that he is best at seven (furlongs) but the programme book urges us to go a mile and I think he will get it."
Invincible Army will launch his campaign towards a possible tilt at the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June in the Group Three Merriebelle Stable Pavilion Stakes at the Berkshire track a week on Wednesday.
Tate added: "Invincible Army is all set for the Pavilion at Ascot next Wednesday. He has got one more proper piece of work to do.
"Everything has been great with him at home and he has been showing a lot of speed. He is exciting. We've not got anything quicker in the yard.
"I'd imagine we will work towards the Commonwealth Cup but if he doesn't go that way we'll be coming back to five furlongs."
Ground conditions will dictate which route Tate decides to take with Kyllang Rock, who made a winning return to action in a conditions contest at Musselburgh last month.
He added: "He won that race at Musselburgh quite nicely. It is just the ground for him. He needs it softer than good.
"The next possible race for him is the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket next month but it is unlikely to come up soft although you do get it some years.
"There are options in France and Ireland and there is also the Temple Stakes at Haydock.
"I would hope he has improved from three to four so hopefully he has a few more pounds of improvement in him. He is a very useful horse."
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