A first for Fellowes as Newmarket trainer set for runners in Qatar
Charlie Fellowes will break new ground this weekend when he fields three runners at the two-day Qatar Derby meeting at Doha.
Two of the trio from Bedford House Stables, Devious Company and Choice And Chance, will contest Saturday's seven furlong Al Rayyan Stakes in which British raiders have an excellent recent record.
The $100,000 juvenile contest was won a year ago by the Archie Watson-trained Maystar while fellow Newmarket trainer George Scott landed the spoils with Concierge in 2018 when ridden by Jason Watson.
The jockey is booked to ride Devious Company in this weekend's renewal, in which a maximum field of 16 have been declared with two reserves.
Devious Company will be having his first outing for Fellowes in the Middle East having shown some classy form for Tom Dascombe in the summer, including when second to Battleground in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood in July.
The son of Fast Company was last seen finishing a respectable eighth behind St Mark's Basilica in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October.
The 104-rated Devious Company has since been bought privately by Qatari owner Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari after being unsold at 100,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale.
Fellowes said: "Both Devious Company and Choice And Chance have travelled out to Qatar well and should be suited by the sharp seven furlongs. Devious Company comes out best on ratings in the race but has had a long year, so we've put the visor on him to sharpen him up."
Choice And Chance is another new horse to Fellowes having been picked up at the sales for 50,000 guineas after winning a maiden at Fairyhouse for Jessica Harrington.
Fellowes added: "Choice And Chance has been impressing in her work on all-weather surfaces, but she's drawn in the car park in stall 14 which will be a drawback."
Stablemate Bottom Bay provides the overseas interest in Sunday's $500,000 Qatar Derby and he will also be having his first start for Fellowes after joining the team last month.
The son of Oasis Dream won twice for Michael Bell during the summer and his new trainer said: "It's not a strong renewal of the race this year and Bottom Bay would not be without a chance. He's not short of speed and this easy mile and a quarter should suit him.
"Whatever happens, the plan is for all three horses to stay in Qatar and join new trainers after they've run this weekend."
Read more:
Aidan O'Brien raises possibility of 'unbelievable' Magical racing on next season
Hornby sidelined with shoulder injury suffered in Wolverhampton horror fall
Chelmsford back behind closed doors after Covid spike puts track into Tier 3
#VoteHollie - racing urged to support Hollie Doyle for Sports Personality
Ultimate Daily - our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at racingpost.com/members-club
Published on inNews
Last updated
- Join Racing Post Members' Club for the very best in racing journalism - including Patrick Mullins' unmissable trip to see Gordon Elliott
- Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months
- Join the same team as Ryan Moore, Harry Cobden and other top jockeys with 50% off Racing Post Members' Club
- 'It’s really exciting we can connect Wentworth's story to Stubbs' - last chance to catch master painter's homecoming
- The jumps season is getting into full swing - and now is the perfect time to join Racing Post Members' Club with 50% off
- Join Racing Post Members' Club for the very best in racing journalism - including Patrick Mullins' unmissable trip to see Gordon Elliott
- Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months
- Join the same team as Ryan Moore, Harry Cobden and other top jockeys with 50% off Racing Post Members' Club
- 'It’s really exciting we can connect Wentworth's story to Stubbs' - last chance to catch master painter's homecoming
- The jumps season is getting into full swing - and now is the perfect time to join Racing Post Members' Club with 50% off