"We know we can't beat Frankel, I don't think anybody can beat him, but it will be great just to be in the same race. If we can finish second, third or fourth we'll be very happy".
Frankel is set to face a new rival at Ascot next month after German star Pastorius was confirmed an intended runner in the Champion Stakes...
Mario Hofer's three-year-old won the German Derby at Hamburg in early July and tasted further Group 1 glory with an eight-length success at Munich later that month.
He was beaten just a length into third by top-class compatriot Danedream in Sunday's Grosser Preis Von Baden and Hofer believes his star colt will benefit from coming back in distance.
The trainer admits his charge has little chance of toppling the world's highest-rated racehorse on Champions Day at Ascot, but is looking forward to the race nonetheless.
"He ran a very good race on Sunday and we are very happy with him," said Hofer.
"After watching the race, we think 10 furlongs is better for him than a mile and a half and if everything is good, the plan is to bring him for the Champion Stakes at Ascot. We know we can't beat Frankel, I don't think anybody can beat him, but it will be great just to be in the same race. If we can finish second, third or fourth we'll be very happy. Our horse will stay in training as a four-year-old and hopefully he can still improve."
Pastorius is currently trading at 40.039/1 for the Champion Stakes, set to be run at Ascot on October 20.
Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!
There are no comments on this article.
No comments:
Post a Comment