Angel not for sale as six furlongs beckons

Michael Dods decided not to run Mecca’s Angel in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp last Sunday – and it was 100 per cent the right call.

She was drawn by the ice-cream van on the wide outside and, more importantly, the ground would have been far too quick.

In the end, Martin Harley gave Goldream a dream winning ride. He took the brave man’s route and got him up on the line. Credit too must go to trainer Robert Cowell, who is a dab hand at priming sprinters for the big races.

It was a rock-solid race with all the big guns turning up and Goldream will be the sprinter to beat next year, especially when he has his preferred fast ground.

Mecca’s Angel might have only run three times this season, but there was nothing to be gained from risking her on unsuitable going. Michael has done absolutely the right thing in being patient with her and she will be a stronger horse when she’s five next year.

I am delighted she is staying in training. I understand there have been some offers for her following her Nunthorpe win, but owner David Meltcalfe knows there should be more great days ahead.

We did discuss the Sprint on QIPCO British Champions Day next week, but we thought six furlongs might be stretching things this year. Next year though could be a different story as she’ll be stronger and those longer sprints should come into calculations.

Mecca’s Angel’s reputation extended to the sales ring at Tattersalls this week, where her full-sister was sold to Oliver St Lawrence, representing Fawzi Nass, for 825,000 guineas. She will be trained by George Peckham.

I have ridden winners for both Fawzi and George, so perhaps they might call on my services to ride her!

Before we move on to the weekend, I just wanted to say what a class act Frankie Dettori is. What a ride he gave Golden Horn. It just shows what happens when you don’t give up. Things weren’t going great for him a couple of years ago – and now he’s won a Derby and an Arc in the space of four months.

On to Saturday and I like the chances of Nameitwhatyoulike in the £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy at York. Bryan Smart’s stalwart has won six times and I’ve been on board on each occasion.

He won the Rous Selling Stakes as a two-year-old over course and distance and has been in great form this season, finishing in the frame on six of her eight starts. The ground will be perfect, he’s uncomplicated so the big field is not a problem, and we’re expecting a big run.

Sixties Sue, who runs in the Listed Rockingham Stakes, does not know how to run a bad race. Mick Channon’s horses are peaking right now. I spoke to him this morning and he’s expecting a big run. We should hopefully nick some Black Type.