Gresham plotting Central Park raid to start 2026

Gresham heads to Central Park to start the new year

Shaun Gresham is taking his new bet365 English Puppy Oaks heroine Rapido Spy to Central Park on Saturday along for the ride with his in-form Arc Cesarewitch entry Ballymac Madgie.

Set to run in a supporting open to the heats of the first Category One competition of 2026, Rapido Spy arrives having landed a surprise but deserved 33-1 last-gasp victory at Oxford in what was the final Category One event of 2025 - and now he is targeting the first major event of the season with his talented stayer.

Of Oxford sales purchase Rapido Spy, Gresham said: “I’m pretty sure the 491m at Central Park will suit her. I think she’s a nice stayer in the making and, while six bends will come down the line, a stiffer four bends than Oxford’s will definitely suit her.

“Many thanks to all who made it possible - especially to the sponsors and to Kevin Boothby and his team at Oxford. It was a fantastic race to watch I’d say, three of them going across the line together. I’m just delighted Spy was in front. It was close though!”

Of Ballymac Madgie, who won the race before the Puppy Oaks final at Oxford to help make it a memorable day for the Devon-based trainer, Gresham said: “She’s flying at the moment. To come through and beat a good dog of Kevin’s (Hutton, Venetian Will) was really good and we’ve just got to have a crack at Central Park.

“We know the entry is top class but she’s won back-to-back races at Oxford, over 847m and 650m, and is back to her best - if not better,” he added of April’s bet365 Hunt Cup beaten favourite (behind Hogans Hawk) who is improving after being off the track shortly after until October’s return back at home track Oxford.