Trainer Andre Fabre is planning on sending at least one
runner to Newmarket for the rescheduled Guineas weekend in June.
The British Horseracing Authority outlined plans on Friday to restrict the
number of runners trained abroad that would be allowed to run during the first
two weeks of UK racing being resumed in June, with three notable exceptions.
Foreign entries will be permitted for the Coronation Cup on June 5, the Qipco
2,000 Guineas on June 6 and the 1,000 Guineas a day later, opening the door for
Fabre to send one of his stable to Newmarket.
The French handler has suggested the 2,000 Guineas will be his target with the
exciting Alson, who switched from Jean-Pierre Carvalho’s yard to Fabre at the
end of last season following victory in the Criterium International, set to get
the nod.
“Alson is a possibility for the 2,000 Guineas,” said Fabre. “I
think he should cope well with Newmarket, as he has a huge action and I think
he should act well.”
Fabre has also indicated he is considering whether to run star mare Tropbeau in
the 1,000 Guineas, the three-year-old having attracted support after winning
the Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp on Monday.
Tropbeau has experience of the Rowley Mile having finished third in the
Cheveley Park last September and Fabre is weighing up whether to re-route her
to Newmarket or take up her original engagement in the French 1,000 Guineas,
for which she is the favourite.
“I don’t know how sporting it would be to run Tropbeau and take advantage
of France’s early start but I have yet to discuss it with the owner,” he
added. “Nowadays, many trainers go straight to the Guineas anyway.”