Witness Stand ready to take Foret plunge

Excitement is building for Jamie Insole and Dr Richard Newland, as the finishing touches are put on the preparation of Witness Stand ahead of the Qatar Prix de la Foret on Sunday.

The four-year-old was a breakthrough winner for the Worcestershire yard when successful in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood in July and this weekend will see him become a first Group One runner for his training team.

Witness Stand backed his Goodwood effort up when second, conceding 3lb, to the progressive More Thunder in the Hungerford Stakes, form that has had several considerable boosts since.

“He’s going to be our first runner in a Group One so we’re really excited,” said Insole.

“The form of the Lennox is strong, as Lake Forest nearly won the City of York and Jonquil won the Celebration Mile and then the Hungerford looks extremely good too with Marvelman (third) winning easily at Doncaster.

“I think the track will suit him and hopefully slightly easier ground and of course we’ve got Hollie Doyle back on board which is exciting as well.

“It will be a tough ask, the toughest of his career, so it would be great if he could have a good run.

“We always thought we’d have to wait for cut in the ground, but he’s been running really well on quick ground all summer and we actually think he’ll improve for a little bit of cut.

“I do think he’s better on a turning track, like Goodwood and like the one he’ll have on Sunday as it allows for him to get a bit of a breather.

“It’s very exciting, Richard actually owns half of him so we’re all really excited to have a runner in a Group One on one of the biggest days of the year.”