Owen Burrows’ Massaat set for a rematch with Ribchester in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO Champions Day
Massaat finished a good third behind Ribchester in France on Sunday and trainer Owen Burrows feels Ascot will suit him even better as he gears up for another big test
CONNECTIONS of Massaat confirmed they are ready for a rematch with Ribchester in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO Champions Day.
Owen Burrows' colt finished a fine third to Ribchester in the Prix du Moulin on Sunday.
Burrows is confident the track at Ascot will suit him better.
He said: "He ran a solid enough race against the best older miler around.
"Jim (Crowley, jockey) said Ascot would suit him better and both Angus (Gold, racing manager) and Sheikh Hamdan (owner) are keen to go for the QEII on Champions Day.
"He's also in the Prix de la Foret but judging by what i saw on Sunday, that won't suit him."
The four-year-old has endured bad luck with injuries since his second in last year's 2,000 Guineas, and Burrows is hopeful he can make up for lost time next season.
He said: "I hope he stays in training next year, he's lightly raced and has been placed in two Group 1s.
"I'd love to win one with him."
Burrows also had news on Talaayeb who is set to skip the Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster due to the ground.
He said: "There's no point risking her on soft in a Group 3, I think the ground is pretty key to her.
"She's in the Sun Chariot and we may look at the Challenge Stakes over seven furlongs at Newmarket in October, but we're in the lap of the gods as to whether she gets her conditions.
"She clearly didn't stay 10 furlongs at Newbury and with the speed she showed last time at York, we'd be keen to stick around seven (furlongs)."