Zaidan: could be a Kentucky Derby contender after his Chesham victory
PICTURE: Martin LynchZaidan too classy for Chesham Stakes rivals
Report: Royal Ascot, Saturday
Chesham Stakes (Listed) 7f, 2yo
ZAIDAN burst clear of his rivals at the two furlong marker to register a cosy success at 7-1 and earn a quote of 33-1 for next year's StanJames.com 2,000 Guineas.
However, the 2011 Kentucky Derby was nominated as the long-term target immediately after the race by ambitious trainer Clive Brittain.
He said: "It's always been my dream and the long term plan is the Kentucky Derby.
"At Doncaster and the way he is at homehe's so switched off but I'm seeing a different horse here. He's got himself a little bit excited today. He'll go for a Group race but not the Breeders' Cup - the Kentucky Derby will do."
Zaidan was given a good ride by Seb Sanders, who threaded his way between runners on the stands' rail. The win was the first of the meeting for trainer Clive Brittain.
The Mick Channon-trained Sonning Rose stayed on well for second, with American raider Casper's Touch back in third.
Always travelling smoothly, it was just a question of whether the gaps would appear for Zaidan. But Sanders, ice cool in the saddle, got a dream run between early leaders Straight Line and Jackaroo.
Zaidan showed a superb turn of foot when seeing daylight and looks a cracking prospect for the future.
Seb Sanders: smart ride
PICTURE: Edward WhitakerSanders said: “He was very edgy when I got on him and it took four or five furlongs to get him settled and then he started to get edgy again down at the start. It was the plan to get him settled behind some horses and he could go at any stage he wanted.
"I rode him first time at Doncaster, what he’s done over five furlongs there he’s done today over seven furlongs; he’s just scythed through them. I got there too soon going too well but I just had to go. When the winning gap appears you’ve just got to go.”
Mick Channon is hopeful runner-up Sonning Rose can score at Listed level in the future. He said: “We thought she was all right so we are thrilled. She is not the biggest in the world but she’s a well made filly.
"I hope she can win at Listed level and that will be the aim.”
Kenneth McPeek, trainer of Casper’s Touch, said he would consider selling the horse for the right price. McPeek said: “He’s a nice horse to be around, very professional and we are extremely pleased with that.
“If somebody came in with a decent offer we would have to consider selling.”
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