Raymond Tusk out to state case for St Leger bid in Glasgow Stakes

British Stallions Studs EBF Glasgow Stakes | Listed) | 1m3f50y | 3yo | RUK

Old habits die hard, so Raymond Tusk embarks on a path that could take him all the way to the William Hill St Leger when he drops in class for a challenge much less onerous than his last one in the Eclipse Stakes.

Two years ago Ventura Storm, owned, like Raymond Tusk, by Middleham Park Racing and trained by Richard Hannon, used the Glasgow Stakes as the springboard to the Doncaster Classic by going on to win the Group 3 Prix du Reux before finishing second to Harbour Law. He ended the year as a Group 1 winner.

Raymond Tusk is only three races into his career, but his connections have mapped out the same route for the colt if he can get back to winning form, having outrun his 50-1 odds to finish sixth in the Eclipse.

"We thought from his last two runs he wants further, and softer ground," said racing manager Tim Palin. "There's rain forecast and the more there is the better.

"Richard is convinced he's a Group horse and we're trying to work out whether he's a Group 3, Group 2 or Group 1 horse."

He added: "It's what we did with Ventura Storm. We moved him up from the Feilden Stakes. Raymond Tusk is in the Prix du Reux at Deauville on August 5, so if he were to win here he'd probably head there "and we also have one eye on the St Leger if he does stay.

"We're creatures of habit, so would love to go Glasgow Stakes, Prix du Reux, St Leger."

Knight joins the mission

Middleham Park have back-up for Raymond Tusk in the Mark Johnston-trained Ventura Knight, who steps out of handicap company after three wins in his last four starts, all at around a mile.

"Ventura Knight has risen quite a bit in the ratings, so deserves his chance," said Palin. "He's also suggested he needs a step up in trip and this looked a decent fit. He's still improving and there could be a bit of untapped potential in him. He'll love the good-to-firm ground if it stays that way."

Austrian School improving

The Johnston stable, too, has a second candidate, but Austrian School takes a step down in distance after being beaten three lengths by stablemate Making Miracles over a mile and six furlongs at Haydock last time.

Trainer's son and assistant Charlie Johnston said: "In an ideal world he would have been going to the two-mile race at Newbury on Saturday but he wasn't going to get in so he comes here instead.

"We've one horse going up three furlongs in trip and one going down. Which one that will suit, I'm not sure. It's certainly going to be on the sharp side for Austrian School, but he's still improving."

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