Talented miler Able Friend has stamped his claims as one of the world’s leading thoroughbred racehorses this year and has produced several strong pieces of work in the lead up to the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (1600m) during the 2015 Royal Ascot Carnival next week.
Trainer John Moore is pleased with star miler Able Friend ahead of next week’s Queen Anne Stakes. Photo: Daniel Costello
Australian-bred, Able Friend began his racing career under the guidance of Team Hawkes in Sydney before being purchased by Hong Kong interests and transferred to the care of expat trainer John Moore prior to his 2013 racing campaign.
Undefeated in his six most recent starts including four at Group 1 level, Able Friend has continued to please since arriving in the UK a fortnight ago and is primed for success in the 2015 Queen Anne Stakes.
“The horse is doing well. He continues to eat well and seems to be enjoying it here,” Moore’s assistant and son George told AAP.
“He just did about a mile of trotting and 2800 metres at a light canter this morning and he’ll gallop tomorrow morning.”
Posting an impressive twelve wins and a further five minors through his eighteen career starts so far, Able Friend immediately made an impact upon arriving in Hong Kong in 2013; taking out the Pokfulam Riding School Handicap (1200m) by close to three lengths first-up.
Making a successful transition to black type racing in 2014, the Shamardal gelding won the Group 1 Classic Mile (1600m) in early January; progressing to second place finishes in two proceeding Group 1 races before returning to the winner’s circle in the Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m).
Undoubtedly finding career-best form to date over the 2014/15 summer, Able Friend won the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile (1600m) in late November before repeating the dose in each of the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m), Group 1 Steward’s Cup (1600m) and Group 1 Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m); returning to the paddock after taking out the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) on May 3rd.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2015 Queen Anne Stakes odds, for which Able Friend is rated outright $2.40 favourite for success.
