'He was up for it today' - Hukum sets up international campaign with Newbury win
Hukum recorded an impressive second win in the BetVictor Geoffrey Freer Stakes to open up an array of big-race international options for the remainder of the season.
Under Jim Crowley, the four-year-old kicked clear from a prominent position to hold off Rodrigo Diaz and register his second win at Group 3 level this season. He also captured the Silver Cup Stakes at York this season.
Trainer Owen Burrows could look to take the son of Sea The Stars to America for the Breeders' Cup or Hong Kong for Group 1 options. He was fifth in his only start at the top level, beaten four and a quarter lengths by Galileo Chrome in last season's St Leger.
Next up could be the Grand Prix de Deauville in France on August 29 where he could clash with the likes of Skalleti, Sisfahan and the Roger Varian-trained Fujaira Prince.
Geoffrey Freer Stakes result, replay and analysis
Burrows said "He was up for it today. He was a bit of a lad to saddle and just throwing his weight around a little bit.
"He's in a Group 2 in Deauville two weeks tomorrow. We had contemplated Canada for the Canadian International, that's in the middle of September, but it's proving a nightmare trying to get there and the Canadian borders are still closed.
"They are meant to be open the week before but it's difficult trying to make plans like that. We'll see how he comes out of this and there is travelling later on after that, Hong Kong possibly."
Burrows added of the Breeders' Cup Turf: "It's another thing to consider. Jim mentioned that after York and it's great to be dealing with horses like him."
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Published on 14 August 2021inReports
Last updated 18:09, 14 August 2021
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