Glorious Goodwood an option for Extortionist
The Olly Stevens-trained three-year-old continued his good form on Saturday when winning the Gr.3 Coral Charge (pictured leading the way under Ryan Moore), and, while he holds entries at York and Ascot this week, the Sussex Downs are beckoning.
Reflecting on the colt's latest victory, Stevens said: "Extortionist had his preferred ground, was given a straightforward ride and was able to continue his recent strong form to win.
"He is entered in the [Listed] City Walls Stakes at York on Saturday, and in the Totepool Heritage Handicap at Ascot the same afternoon, but I feel we are more likely to give him a little breathing space after a tough two weeks.
"The [Gr.2] King George Stakes [held on Friday, August 1] at Glorious Goodwood looks the most likely option."
Extortionist's win in the colours of Sheikh Suhaim was one of several good results for horses owned by the Al Thani family.
At Monmouth Park in the USA yesterday, Side Glance carried the colours of Sheikh Fahad's Pearl Bloodstock into third place in the Gr.1 United Nations Stakes. The evergreen seven-year-old was ridden by Jamie Spencer for trainer Andrew Balding.
Meanwhile, in France, a victory for the Qatar Racing-owned Harpy was yet another winner for first-season sire Makfi. Harpy, who won a maiden race at Maisons-Laffitte, is trained by Jean-Claude Rouget.
Owned by Qatar Bloodstock and a resident at Tweenhills Farm and Stud, Makfi, a son of Dubawi, has now been responsible for five winning horses who have collected six victories.
Curiously, none of these good results had bearing on the top of the 8 to Follow leaderboard - it is a mystery how so many good judges failed to include Extortionist, a Royal Ascot winner last year, no less, among their selections.
For the latest positions, go to the 8 to Follow website (www.8tofollow.co.uk) or click on the 8 to Follow logo on the home page of this site.
The Qatar Racing 8 to Follow competition raises money for the charity Racing Welfare (www.racingwelfare.co.uk), which provides help for people from the racing and breeding industries in need.