Commonwealth credentials to be tested by Heartache
Royal Ascot winner Heartache could run in the Pavilion Stakes for her seasonal reappearance, with the Commonwealth Cup at the same course considered to be her long-term target.
CLIVE COX's Queen Mary Stakes winner Heartache is reported to have wintered well ahead of a planned campaign over six furlongs.
The Pavilion Stakes at Ascot on May 2 is considered to be a viable starting point on what would be her first attempt over six furlongs, rather than the minimum of five that she impressed so much over as a two-year-old.
Should her return go well, the daughter of Kyllachy will likely be aimed at a return to Royal Ascot for the Commonwealth Cup in June.
Sam Hoskins, racing manager for the owners The Hot To Trot Syndicate, said: "I saw Heartache at Clive's around 10 days ago and she looked fantastic.
"She's wintered very well and looks stronger and the long-term plan would be the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
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"She mixed it with the boys on her last two starts last year. She was far from disgraced behind Unfortunately in France and then beat Havana Grey at Doncaster.
"We've always felt she will stay six furlongs, but we'll probably give her the chance to prove it in one of the trials, maybe in the Pavilion Stakes at Ascot."
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Heartache's half-sister has also been leased from Whitsbury Manor Stud by the syndicate and sent into training with Cox.
"We've also got the little sister, Heartwarming, who is a two-year-old filly by Showcasing," Hoskins added.
"We've probably used up all our luck but the early signs are good with her, so fingers crossed."