Rashabar's Next Move: Stretching Out to Seven Furlongs with 2000 Guineas in Sight

Rashabar, the surprise hero of the Royal Ascot meeting, is gearing up for a step up in distance in his next race, with the long-term goal set for a tilt at the 2000 Guineas in May. The son of the Holy Roman Emperor, trained by Brian Meehan, caused a major upset when he clinched the Coventry Stakes at a remarkable 80-1, but his team believes the best is yet to come.

Whistlejacket is @BreedersCup bound!

Aidan O'Brien's July Stakes hero grabs the stands-side rail and delivers under Ryan Moore in the G1 Prix Morny… #WinAndYoureIN pic.twitter.com/3j1POZuCbs

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 18, 2024

In his most recent outing, Rashabar narrowly missed out on victory in the Prix Morny at Deauville, where he finished a close second to Aidan O’Brien’s Whistlejacket. Despite the loss, jockey Sean Levey, who rode him in France, was convinced that Rashabar deserved the win, describing him as the "moral victor." Levey’s confidence, paired with Rashabar’s strong finish, has encouraged the team to aim for a longer distance and continue competing in elite Group One races.

Sam Sangster, manager for the owners Manton Thoroughbreds, emphasized that Rashabar belongs in the highest level of competition, stating, "We will be sticking in Group One company. Sean was gutted after the Morny, feeling Rashabar was the moral winner, but there are no hiding places in Group Ones, and he’s certainly earned his spot.”

According to Sangster, Rashabar has returned from Deauville in fine form, showing no signs of strain, and maintaining the same weight as before the race. The colt’s cool demeanor and consistency have impressed his connections, keeping them optimistic about his future.

Looking ahead, Rashabar is being aimed at several prestigious races. Top on the list is the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh on September 15, where the step up to seven furlongs should suit him well. Sangster explained, “We feel a step up to seven furlongs will benefit him. He ran the fastest sectionals in the final two furlongs of the Morny, which suggests this extra distance could play to his strengths.”

Other potential targets include the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp during Arc weekend, and further afield, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in the U.S. However, the final decision on whether Rashabar heads to the Breeders’ Cup may depend on how his next race unfolds. There’s also a delicate balance to strike, as the team wants to keep his long-term prospects for the 2000 Guineas intact.

Sangster acknowledged that while the Breeders’ Cup remains a possibility, Rashabar’s potential as a three-year-old will guide their decision-making. “We believe he’s not just a two-year-old wonder. He’s a horse who will continue to improve, and after his next run, we’re hopeful that the 2000 Guineas will be firmly within reach. Whether or not we head to Del Mar, our focus is on keeping him on track for the Guineas if we believe he’s ready, and right now, we do.”

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Rashabar as he continues his journey towards fulfilling his Classic ambitions, with his next race likely to provide a clearer indication of his future path.