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Old Persian out to capture another international prize in Northern Dancer Turf

Old Persian: bidding for more top-level success
Old Persian: bidding for more top-level successCredit: Edward Whitaker

Old Persian, fresh from finishing third in the Longines Grosser Preis von Berlin last month, will bid for a second top-level success in the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes at Woodbine (11.17).

Trained by Charlie Appleby, the son of Dubawi won the Sheema Classic in March and faces five rivals at the Canadian track.

The four-year-old will be partnered for the first time by Jamie Spencer and Appleby believes the course will suit.

He said: "Old Persian ran a good race when coming back from a break in the Grosser Preis von Berlin. It was a steadily run contest and he just got slightly tapped for toe in the finish.

"He has travelled out to Canada in good form, has settled in well and we are hoping that the galloping track and long straight at Woodbine will play to his strengths.

Jamie Spencer: rode Wigmore Hall to victory in the Northern Dancer Turf in 2011 and 2012
Jamie Spencer: rode Wigmore Hall to victory in the Northern Dancer Turf in 2011 and 2012Credit: Edward Whitaker

"If he can reproduce the level of form he showed at the start of the year in Dubai, he should be the one to beat.”

Among the colt's opponents is the multiple Group-winning Tiz A Slam, who has yet to win at the highest level, and the consistent Sir Sahib.

Awesometank seeks top-level breakthrough

Awesometank, who produced a career-best effort when second to Sistercharlie in the Beverly D Stakes, seeks to improve on that run and reverts to a mile in the Woodbine Mile Stakes (10.42).

Trained by William Haggas, the daughter of Intense Focus has been consistent in Group 3s in Britain and looks set to continue her career in the states.

Awesometank: second to subsequent Group 1 winner Veracious at Sandown last year
Awesometank: second to subsequent Group 1 winner Veracious at Sandown last yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

Haggas told Bloodhorse.com: "She ran a terrific race in Chicago. She upgraded her previous performances and the plan is to leave her in America now. After she runs in Canada, she'll go to Keeneland to run."

Her rivals include the Chad Brown-trained pair Raging Bull and Made You Look. The former, who won last year's Hollywood Derby, recently finished runner-up to the reopposing Get Stormy in the Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga.

Haggas will also be represented by Magnetic Charm, runner-up in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot, in the Grade 2 Canadian Stakes (9.30).

The daughter of Exceed And Excel was last seen finishing third in the Valiant Stakes at Ascot behind the John Gosden-trained Duneflower.


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Kitty TriceBloodstock journalist

Published on 14 September 2019inInternational

Last updated 09:43, 15 September 2019

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