Julie Camacho targeting Nunthorpe prize for pocket rocket Judicial
The Coral Charge winner will step up to Group 1 company for the first time in his career at York next month
PROGRESSIVE sprinter Judicial could be stepped up to the big time in the Nunthorpe at York next month.
The six-year-old struck for the first time at Group level in the Coral Charge at Sandown last weekend.
It's unusual for a sprinter to reach the prime of his career nearing seven years of age, but Judicial has done just that.
The son of Iffraaj returned this season with a brilliant second behind Mabs Cross in the Temple Stakes before going on to win a competitive conditions race at Beverley.
Trainer Julie Camacho then bypassed Royal Ascot with her sprinter in favour of a trip to Sandown for the Coral Charge, and her patience was duly rewarded when he ran out a game winner.
A crack at the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes is now on the cards and owners Elite Racing Club will be hoping their top sprinter can emulate Marsha, who won the race for them last year.
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Camacho's husband and assistant, Steve Brown, said: "He's in good form. He was turned out bright and early which he enjoys. He looks fresh and well.
"He probably ended up getting a slightly better run through at Sandown than the second horse (Muthmir), but we were aware we were well drawn and wanted to make the most of it and it was the right thing to do.
"It all fell into place and he got the best passage throughout."
Since mid-summer last year, the gelding has been raised nearly a stone in the ratings, and a long break of over two hundred days has clearly benefited him.
Brown added: "He's in the Sapphire Stakes in a couple of weeks' time in Ireland. We'll have a look at that.
"He's in the Nunthorpe and he has probably earned the right to run in it. We could be a little bit short in terms of class, but he does like it when they go really hard.
"Now we've won a couple this year we feel a bit braver trying him at the top level because we've had a degree of success.
"In his early days with us he would be doing a bit too much. Now he's a relaxed horse and very tractable and easy to deal with at home. He's settled in his routine and that has been reflected on the track."