Kestrel needs to take off in Summer Stayers Classic final
Antigua Kestrel will need plenty of luck in the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic final at Monmore, according to trainer Kevin Hutton.
Hutton needs more from Antigua Kestrel in Monmore decider
Kevin Hutton admits Antigua Kestrel must raise his game if he’s to land the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic final at Monmore on Saturday.
The June 2022 son of Droopys Sydney blazed a trail in his semi-final at the weekend but was easily reeled in by the strong-running Clona Ice in the end.
He still qualified in second but his trainer is under no illusions about the task at hand in the £10,000 decider.
Speaking on www.kevinhuttonracing.com, Hutton said: “Antigua Kestrel showed super early pace once again during his semi-final of the Stayers Classic but against this quality of opposition the 630m trip looks too far for him.
“He safely made it through to what is a brilliant final when finishing second but will need plenty of luck in the final.”
Hutton had less joy later in the evening when Union Rebel exited the Ladbrokes Gold Cup over 480m at the semi-final stage.
"Union Rebel was out of luck in the Gold Cup semi-final after being crowded at the third bend,” the trainer added.
“He’d done plenty of work to get to the front and looked all out after taking a knock. He returned in good shape though and has been running ever so well of late.”
Better luck at Oxford
Oxford proved a happier hunting ground on the same night as Hutton had the first five home in the BGBF British Bred Oaks final.
Miss Kubelik put the pace to the race and looked as though she may have got clear beyond recall, but Coppice Lottie flew home to deny her kennelmate in the shadow of the post and score at 9/1.
Hutton continued: “Coppice Lottie has been running ever so well since returning from her achilles tendon issue and despite being the outsider of our five runners, she got the victory when it mattered most for her owners Tony and Mary Brealey.
“The race had looked at the mercy of Signet Nayla following a fast break but Union Piper just got up her inside on the bend and they were both crowded out of contention.
“There was only a couple of lengths between the five of them at the finish and we were thrilled to win the race for a second consecutive year.”
