Before Maltese Cross bids to give William Haggas big-race glory in France this weekend he could be poised for a profitable afternoon on home soil at Ascot where stable stalwart Al Aasy seeks win number 14 of his career in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes.
The nine-year-old has proved age is just a number this term, winning his first Group Two in France last time out and is one of two in the Group Three event for the Somerville Lodge team alongside last year’s runner-up Tenability.
“He’s been a superstar has Al Aasy and every day he runs is a bonus with him,” said Angus Gold, racing manager for owners Shadwell.
“We just keep an eye on him, make sure he’s happy and in good form and he seems to be so we’ll have a go.
“He won his first Group Two as a nine-year-old last time so he’s not far off being as good as ever, he’s been a star and we just hope this race will play to his strengths and we’ll see how he gets on before deciding if that is it, or we go again.”
Haggas also holds a strong hand in the other Group Three on the card, the John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes where owners Shadwell run York winner Elmonjed, but leading hopes belong to stablemate Division.
The Wathnan-owned three-year-old has been a model of consistency with a string of luckless efforts this term, the latest coming when agonisingly denied in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville in August.
Richard Brown, racing adviser for the owners, said: “He was arguably a little bit unlucky the last time he ran at the track when third in the Commonwealth Cup and has been placed in two Group Ones.
“He just potentially hasn’t had the rub of the green this year and if one thing goes wrong in those top sprints it is all over. Hopefully he can get a smoother passage than he has been getting into his races.
“We would love to get him back in the winner’s enclosure and this looks strong enough for the grade but he will be doing his best work late.”
Elmonjed was also last seen in France, finishing fourth in the Prix de Ris-Orangis having before that somewhat surprised his team with victory in the Minster Stakes on the Knavesmire.
Gold said: “He surprised us with how well he won at York but has been very consistent throughout his life.
“He was a bit disappointing the next time at Deauville for reasons that never showed, but we gave him a little break and he has been doing plenty of work with Almeraq recently and seems in good form.”
Shadwell and Haggas will also link up with Albaydaa in the Listed BetMGM British EBF October Stakes, now looking for a deserved second win of the campaign after a string of likeable displays.
“She’s been consistent at her own level and I think she wants the seven furlongs,” continued Gold.
“She’s a sister to Almeraq and has only twice been outside of the first three in nine runs. She’s handy and she might be a bit outclassed at the ratings, but equally she is a good filly and I think the track will suit her and we’re going to try to get a bit of black type with her.”
