Moon Target could be seen again this year

Moon Target could bid to redeem herself on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile in the coming weeks after failing to fire at Doncaster.

The Cracksman filly looked every inch a top-class performer in the making after winning her first two starts for Sir Mark Prescott and was only narrowly denied by subsequent Moyglare Stud Stakes heroine Precise when bidding for the hat-trick in last month’s Prestige Stakes at Goodwood.

On the strength of that form Moon Target was a red-hot favourite for the Group Two May Hill Stakes on Town Moor last week, but trailed home a disappointing seventh behind the Prestige third Aylin.

Chris Richardson, managing director for owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: “It was really bizarre. I thought maybe she was in season or there must be some other excuse, but I didn’t really come up with anything and neither did Sir Mark Prescott.

“I don’t know whether the ground was a factor, in fairness Sir Mark has always thought top of the ground might suit her better, but being by Cracksman there is an influence of soft ground there.

“We thought she would go on it, maybe it wasn’t to her liking, and there was a strong headwind and all sorts of little things you can look at on the day, but it was disappointing.”

In the immediate aftermath of Moon Target’s Doncaster eclipse her trainer suggested he could not put her away until the spring, but she does have a few upcoming options at Newmarket.

“We’ll try to freshen her up and we might consider the Rockfel (September 26), but it might be that we’ll give her three or four weeks off and consider either the Fillies’ Mile (October 10) or the Oh So Sharp on the same day over seven furlongs,” Richardson added.

“We are scratching our heads a bit after the other day and having beaten the winner of the May Hill at Goodwood and seen Precise come out and win the Moyglare, I was rather gutted to be honest with you.”

Richardson also confirmed plans remain fluid with star three-year-old filly Estrange, who still has the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or Champions Day at Ascot as options.

He said: “No decision yet, we’re just monitoring the forecast and Mrs (Patricia) Thompson has been away and is back next week, so no doubt we’ll have some serious discussions then.

“I don’t think we’d do both Longchamp and Ascot, it’s still pretty much up in the air and open for discussion once we know what the likely going is going to be and what have you.

“It would be lovely to have a crack at the Arc, but we’ll see what decision is made. I know Mrs Thompson was favouring Ascot after York, but it’s still to be confirmed.”