'Ideal starting point' - Trueshan bids to make another successful return in Further Flight

Many might have thought jumping would one day figure in Trueshan's career, but – even without it  – he has become a household name and is back for more at the age of seven.

Trained by Alan King, he has struck up a perfect partnership with Hollie Doyle, who is aboard again.

The pair teamed up to win this race last year and then the Northumberland Plate before success in Ascot's Long Distance Cup.

Trueshan's task was made easier following the morning withdrawal of Mojo Star, runner-up in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last year, due to the ground.

King, who trains the son of Planteur for the Singula Partnership, said: "This is an ideal starting point and he won it last year before going on to put up an amazing performance when defying a huge weight in the Northumberland Plate.

"Although he got jarred up at Goodwood and then wasn't himself at Doncaster, the team did a great job to get him back and he won a third Long Distance Cup at Ascot.

"He's ready to start back after a good winter break and he delighted me with his work last week. Having said that, this is a strong race and it's never easy under a penalty."

What they say

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Buzz
It's lovely to have him back and it's his first run since he won the Ascot Hurdle in November 2021, which was obviously a very long time ago. Before that he'd won the Cesarewitch nicely and this is a nice place to go with a good trip, good track and good ground, while Reggie [Pallas], who rides him every day, is very happy with how he is.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Rajinsky
There are very few options with him and we're very keen to get a run into him before the Chester Cup and this fits very well, particularly with a dry forecast next week – we know he likes cut in the ground. It's a nice starting point, but you'll see worse Group 1s than this Listed race this year.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Tashkhan
It's quite competitive but my lad is good and this is a nice starting point, plus he'll get his ground for a change. We're the third-highest rated in the field, so he's got a chance, and we weren't far behind Trueshan on easy ground at Ascot the year before last. He never had his ground last year and I think he's more forward than he was this time 12 months ago. Trueshan is a good horse and you can't knock him, especially on this ground, so he's the one to beat I think.

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