Mickdaam sweeps the MBNA Chester Vase on 10th May and heads for the Derby in June
After sweeping the Maiden Stakes on 18th April at Newmarket over a mile and two furlongs, it was being expected that Model Pupil would win the Group 3 MBNA Chester Vase (Colts & Geldings) on 10th May at Chester over a mile, four furlongs and sixty-six yards.
He could not win the race but did give a hard time to the winner, Mickdaam, as Model Pupil followed right in by a mere nose’s difference.
Towards the home stretch, Mickdaam riding with Tony Hamilton and Model Pupil paired up with Michael Hills, became the leading pair for the concluding stages of the race.
The late assault of the Charles Hills’ trained was countered by Mickdaam’s lead of a mere nose.
Hamilton said: "He was drawn badly and he tried to duck under the stalls before the start, which was worrying, but he knows how to battle.
"I wanted to make my move earlier and he was pricking his ears up the straight. I heard another horse coming and me and Michael [Hills, rider of Model Pupil] didn't know who'd won.”
The three-year-old spent a good time in Dubai during the winter and was under charge Mike De Kock. Upon his return to Richard Fahey, a remarkable improvement in the colt was noticed. His second score in the £250,000 Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Trophy left the connections truly amazed on 19th April at Newmarket over a mile and two furlongs.
His impressive performance in the 10th May spectacle has opened up the doors of the Investec Epsom Derby in June. The trainer is ecstatic about the prospect of saddling his very first horse for the Derby.
Hamilton said: "When we pulled up we weren't sure who'd won, so it's good to get it.
"He's a brave horse and he's quite lazy, so I knew he'd stay well.
"I wasn't sure about the ground but I took it up a long way down and I knew he'd keep galloping."
On the other hand Charles Hills has not taken the second position of his under charge as a devastating blow and plans the St Leger to be the main target. Model Pupil performed impressively in the first graded race of his career that came through the third career start while it took Mickdaam a while to set his footings strong.
The Derby remains to be the next main target for him.
Tags: