Calyx On Course For Commonwealth Cup With Haydock Prep

Calyx On Course For Commonwealth Cup With Haydock Prep

The speed guns look set to clash in the Temple Stakes at Haydock this weekend, but for unbeaten three-year-old Calyx, the development still continues.

Three out of three for the son of Kingman, he continues on his road towards the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot with a trip to Liverpool for the Armstrong Aggregates Sandy Lane Stakes.

The Coventry Stakes winner of last season is already a 6/4 favourite for the Group One in Berkshire in a month's time, and can do his chances no harm here with another blistering victory.

John Gosden's charge made his return at the royal venue are being off for the past ten months with injury, and it looked like had never been away after he demolished his rivals in the Group 3 Pavilion Stakes, winning by a three length margin.

Owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe believes there is plenty to more to come from his still-inexperienced sprinter.

(Credit: Racing Post) He said: "He's been going nicely since winning at Ascot and the race at Haydock fits in well before a potential tilt at the royal meeting.

"He's always had considerable talent and it was nice to see him quicken up like he did at Ascot, especially after his injury. He's a powerful horse who seems to take his racing well.

"The Commonwealth Cup is the plan, as he shows considerable speed, but we haven't ruled out looking at a mile later in the year. He's started off exceptionally well and hopefully he can go on to prove everyone right."

The Group Two Sandy Lane Stakes over six furlongs is a recognised trial for the Commonwealth Cup, with Quiet Reflection the most recent winner to follow up at Royal Ascot in 2016. 

Among Calyx's possible rivals this weekend is the progressive Leodis Dream [trained by David O'Meara] who steps up to Group company for the first time in search of a six-timer, and could still feature in the Epsom Dash next weekend.

Kevin Ryan also has Hello Youmzain remaining in the seven runner field; a Group Two winner on soft ground in France last term.

Later on the card, Battaash makes his seasonal comeback in the day's feature.

Charlie Hills' five-year-old will line up against old foe Mabs Cross, who tops eight confirmations, and was successful first time out this season herself at Newmarket.

Narrow Nunthorpe winner Alpha Delphini and the All-weather Champion Kachy were among the other high-profile individuals left in tact for the £100,000 contest.