Pirate doubtful for Ascot's Golden Jubilee
Friday, 21 June 2002 14:03Bahamian Pirate is a doubtful runner for tomorrow's Group One feature at Royal Ascot, the Golden Jubilee Stakes, after being cast in his box. The David Nicholls-trained sprinter was due to make a quick reappearance after finishing ninth to Dominica in the King's Stand Stakes on Tuesday. However, the trainer will still be represented by Continent who also ran in the King's Stand, failing by only a head to catch the winner.
The six-furlong showpiece, elevated to Group One status for the first time and formerly known as the Cork And Orrery Stakes, has attracted a quality field headed by last season's champion juvenile Johannesburg and American challenger Caller One.
Aidan O'Brien has warned that Johannesburg will improve a lot for the run on his return to sprinting in the Golden Jubilee Stakes tomorrow. He has been frustrated by Ireland's prolonged wet spell in his bid to prepare last year's champion two-year-old for the Group One six-furlong contest.
His colt will be having his first outing since a disappointing effort in the Kentucky Derby on May 4 when he tackles the feature event on the last day of Royal Ascot.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
