Charlie Hills Sends Two Contenders to Kentucky Downs for Graded Races
Khaadem joins last year’s big winner Ancient Rome on trip to USA.
Charlie Hills will be aiming for success at Kentucky Downs this Saturday evening with two notable runners: Ancient Rome and Khaadem, both targeting big-money graded races.
Ancient Rome Defends Mint Millions Title
Ancient Rome, the five-year-old son of War Front, will seek to defend his title in the Mint Millions Stakes over a mile. Under the guidance of Jamie Spencer, Ancient Rome won the race last year with a well-timed push, narrowly securing a half-length victory and the substantial GBP 980,500 winner’s purse.
Welcome back, Ancient Rome 🇬🇧
The reigning G3 Mint Millions winner has returned to defend his title in the $2 million race this Saturday, September 7. #KyDowns pic.twitter.com/an9hU3g4Qy
— Kentucky Downs (@KYDownsRacing) September 4, 2024
Despite a challenging start to the season with a modest performance in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot, Ancient Rome rebounded with a runner-up finish in the Group Two Summer Mile Stakes behind Quddwah. He also competed in the Arlington Million Stakes last month, finishing third behind Charlie Appleby’s Nations Pride.
Facing strong competition, including Aidan O'Brien’s Mountain Bear and Frankie Dettori, Hills remains optimistic. "He’s travelled over really well and we’re very happy with him," Hills said. "His form this year is even better than last, and his experience with the track is a significant advantage."
Khaadem Takes on the Ainsworth Turf Sprint
Khaadem, an eight-year-old who has enjoyed a stellar season, will make his American debut in the Grade Two Ainsworth Turf Sprint Stakes. Khaadem has previously excelled at Royal Ascot, winning the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes for the second consecutive year.
Hills is confident that Khaadem’s form and rating could prove advantageous in the race, which offers a GBP 944,882 prize. "He seems to have travelled nicely," Hills noted. "Although he’s eight, he’s been training well here. The fast ground in the U.S. is what he needs, and he’s among the highest-rated in the field."
O'Brien will also have two runners, Greenfinch and Chief Little Rock, both partnered by Frankie Dettori for the lucrative Kentucky Downs card.
With Hills' two contenders poised for action, both Ancient Rome and Khaadem will be looking to make their mark on American soil.
