The syndicate came within three-parts of a length of winning the world’s oldest classic when Ventura Storm only just failed to repel Harbour Law in 2016, but in Lazy Griff they have one of the ante-post favourites for the great race following his staying on third in the Irish Derby at The Curragh on Sunday, 29th June.
“We almost did the unthinkable nine years ago, but now we could have an even better chance,” says Middleham Park’s Mike Prince. “It’s not often a syndicate-owned horse is placed in two Derbies and the Leger looks the ideal race now.”
Prince accompanied 12 owners to The Curragh, including German racing enthusiast Luis Kimmel who flew over to see the son of Protectionist finish a running-on, three-length third to Aidan O’Brien’s Lambourn and Serious Contender in the hands of William Buick.
Absent on the day, however, was co-owner George Griffiths, who had the distinction of naming the Charlie Johnston-trained star. “We enjoyed a wonderful day watching him finish second at Epsom but it was a late decision to run in Ireland and we just couldn’t get there,” he adds.
“I enjoyed watching the race on TV with my family though and will definitely be at Doncaster in September to hopefully cheer home a Classic winner. To have a runner in the Leger with a strong form chance is just beyond my wildest expectations.”
Bought in Germany as a yearling for 75,000 euros, Lazy Griff was sent off a 14-1 chance in his quest to turn the tables on Epsom Derby victor Lambourn and certainly didn’t disappoint his owners. “The way he came home from a long way back suggests he’ll enjoy the extra distance at Doncaster,” adds Prince. “We intended to be up with the pace but William said he struggled to go the gallop on that fast surface.
“Ideally he prefers some ease in the ground which we’re hoping he’ll get in the Leger. Whether we can beat Lambourn after chasing him home three times this year already I’m not sure but if he goes to the Arc instead we could be the one they all have to beat.
“He could run again before the final Classic, possibly in a Group 1 in Germany in August, but we don’t want to risk him on fast ground. He’s had a busy spell, running three times in deep races, so we wouldn’t be worried about going to Doncaster fresh,” he adds.
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