Able Friend Settles In At Newmarket

Tuesday, 09 June 2015 08:32

Hong Kong star Able Friend has had a work-out at Newmarket ahead of his Royal Ascot assignment.

The John Moore-trained multiple Group One winner, the equal highest-rated horse in the world, will contest the Queen Anne Stakes.

The trainer's son and assistant, George Moore, is overseeing Able Friend's preparations and is pleased with how he has settled in.

"The horse arrived on Saturday and worked on the Polytrack next to Newmarket racecourse," Moore said.

"He worked around 1800 metres (nine furlongs) and will go a little further tomorrow morning (Wednesday AEST).

"(Trainer) Michael Bell has given us a seasoned horse to lead him in his work. Able Friend was having a good look around, but he does that back in Hong Kong as well.

"Everything is going good, there are no problems and we're looking forward to next week."

Able Friend is set to face strong opposition in the Royal Ascot curtain-raiser including the Richard Hannon-trained Lockinge winner Night Of Thunder and Dubai Turf and Prix d'Ispahan winner Solow from the Freddie Head stable.

Moore believes Solow is Able Friend's biggest threat.

"I think the French horse is the one we've got to beat. He was good in his last Group One and looks pretty smart," he said.

Able Friend will be ridden by Joao Moreira who will also partner Australian Diamond Jubilee contender Brazen Beau.