Goodwood test for Sky Hunter
Saeed Bin Suroor's six-year-old finished down the field in last year's Melbourne Cup but is in with a shot of going back to Australia if he runs well here
SKY HUNTER will attempt to strengthen his claims for a second shot at the Emirates Melbourne Cup by playing a leading role in the Crimbourne Stud Foundation Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.
The Saeed bin Suroor-trained six-year-old is set to have just his second start since finishing down the field in the big race last November when he takes on six rivals in the extended nine-furlong Listed prize.
Having had an extended break since his trip to Australia, the lightly-raced son of Motivator made an encouraging reappearance on his first start in 10 months at Kempton, when third in a Group Three earlier in the month.
Bin Suroor said: "He ran well last time after a long time off.
"The horse worked well in his last piece of work and this is another nice race for him.
"He has been working well and is ready to go again and he looks a better horse this time.
"All the horses we took to Australia we gave them a nice break afterwards as the target for them is to try and take them back again.
"We will see how he goes before making a final decision whether we take him back to Australia for the Melbourne Cup."
Connections of Tullius are hoping his class can help offset the burden of a 3lb penalty on what will be his first visit to the Sussex track.
Despite being the oldest runner in the field at the age of eight, the Andrew Balding-trained gelding has already shown he retains plenty of enthusiasm, having picked up a Group Three at Epsom on Oaks day.
Sam Hoskins, spokesman for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds, said: "I think the race is right for him as I think the Joel Stakes (Newmarket) will be hot.
"He has to carry a 3lb penalty, which is not ideal, but that is life.
"Andrew said that he is thriving. I'm not sure what happened last time out at York he just didn't run his race and nothing seems to have come to light.
"He has never been to Goodwood before but he has got a good record at Epsom and it might just keep him interested.
"There is not much depth to the race and if he can be in the top three that would be great.
"It looks like the right race to tee him up for the Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day."
Mount Logan, a three-times Goodwood scorer and recently on the mark at Doncaster, represents Roger Varian.
The Newmarket handler told www.varianstable.com: "Mount Logan is versatile in terms of trip, but he was particularly impressive over 10 furlongs at Doncaster so this race made plenty of sense, given he is a Listed winner without a penalty.
"We know he is well suited by the course, he goes there in good form and he seems to have conditions in his favour.";
Windshear, Epsom Icon and Very Dashing have also been declared, while Black Night runs for Jersey handler James Moon.
