16 June 2020

Oxted handed July Cup mission

16 June 2020

Roger Teal will send talented sprinter Oxted straight to next month’s Darley July Cup at Newmarket after deciding to bypass an outing at Royal Ascot.

The Lambourn handler planned to give the four-year-old a first start at Group One level in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on Saturday following his inaugural Pattern race victory in the Group Three Abernant Stakes at Newmarket.

However, after having a change of heart, Teal will now give Oxted his top level debut on the July Course.

Teal said: “Oxted is fine but I just want to give him more time, so I will keep him fresh for the July Cup.

“He is only four so I thought Ascot would come too soon. If I look after him now, he will look after me later.

“The owners are all happy to wait for Newmarket.”

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