Wathnan Racing's Champions Sprint star Kind Of Blue to make seasonal debut in Ireland ahead of potential Ascot return

Wathnan Racing's leading sprinter Kind Of Blue is poised to get his season under way in a fortnight’s time at the Curragh.

The four-year-old's only start in the peacock blue and old gold colours of the Qatari operation was a successful one when he landed the Group 1 British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot last October.

Kind Of Blue, who stepped up his preparation when working on the watered gallop in Newmarket on Friday under Danny Muscutt, has previous knowledge of the Curragh having finished second to Givemethebeatboys in the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint last August.

The son of Blue Point was originally in the mix for the Group 2 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes at York this Wednesday, but connections have elected to give him more time and are instead looking at the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday week.

Kind Of Blue (near side) finished second to Givemethebeatboys in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh last yearCredit: CAROLINE NORRIS

Kind Of Blue is also entered in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock the same day and holds two early entries at Royal Ascot next month, in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes and Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, a double his sire completed in 2019.

Trainer James Fanshawe said: “At the moment, Kind Of Blue is pointing towards the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh. He worked nicely on Friday. He also has another option at Haydock. We’re happy with him and are looking forward to getting his season going.”

Whether Wathnan’s retained rider, James Doyle, will be fit to renew his acquaintance with Kind Of Blue at the Curragh is in doubt, as he is recovering from a broken collarbone sustained in a fall at Chelmsford in April 18, which was operated on six days later. 

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'This family has done us tremendously well' - Kind Of Blue gives James Fanshawe third Champions Sprint 

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