Ascot`s Johns Hopkins Cumberland Lodge Stakes could be the next target for Mutamam following his impressive seven-length victory in the Milcars September Stakes at Kempton today.
Alec Stewart`s charge, carrying the colours of Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum, has overcome a foot problem recently and there was no sign of any discomfort as he brushed aside his useful rivals under Richard Hills, beating Kuwait Trooper in the Group Three contest.
The fast-finishing Rothmans Royals St Leger possible pipped Pawn Broker by a neck for the runner-up`s spot.
Stewart is confident his charge, the 5-2 favourite, will come on for today`s outing.
'He bruised a foot about seven weeks ago and wasn`t able to run. In fact, he didn`t leave his box for 10 days,' said the Newmarket trainer.
'He has been so unlucky to be a five-year-old and not reach the heights I thought he could.
'I would hope we would go for the Cumberland Lodge although I would have to talk to Sheikh Hamdan.'
The Breeders` Cup Turf at Churchill Downs in Kentucky on November 4th is the long term target, according to Sheikh Hamdan`s racing manager Angus Gold.
However Gold, who paid tribute to Stewart`s part in today`s success, is also considering other plans.
'Alec has done very well to get him back and it was nice to see the horse come away from them.
'We are also looking at the Woodbine International in Canada in case we can`t get him in the Breeders` Cup.
'He hasn`t had a heavy campaign and it is nice to see the enthusiasm still there.'
The victory completed a quick 90-1 double for Hills, successful in the previous Milcars Ruislip handicap on long-term absentee Candleriggs, a 25-1 outsider.
Racing out of stall three on the supposedly unfavoured stands` side, Candleriggs, making his first racecourse appearance in 419 days, was always prominent in the six-furlong event and eventually came home a neck ahead of Ivory Dawn.
'That was a very good training performance from the boss,' said trainer Ed Dunlop`s representative Burns Hutchison.
Hutchison explained the gelding`s absence was due to a 'pelvis problem'.
'This was a nice surprise,' he admitted.
Candleriggs is owned by the Right Angle Club made up of four members including Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
There was drama before the race when jockey Martin Dwyer was dumped to the ground by Ian Balding`s representative Tiger Imp, resulting in the jockey suffering an arm injury and the withdrawal of the four-year-old.
Another impressive all-the-way winner was Ridgeway Dawn in the opening Milcars Fillies` Conditions Stakes.
Mick Channon`s charge had won her Salisbury maiden by coming off the pace but jockey Craig Williams had her in front from the off here.
She refused to relinquish her lead, beating 100-30 favourite Matoaka by a cosy three-quarters of a length.
Tarfshi was a similar distance back in third.
Channon was at a loss over the winner`s starting price of 12-1.
'I don`t understand her price,' he exclaimed. 'Her Salisbury time was pretty good.
'She came from last to first at Salisbury but I left it to Craig and said her strength is her action and ride her as you want today.'
Similar tactics were used to good effect by Hills` brother Michael as 13-8 favourite Bourgainville landed the Milcars Chertsey Lock Conditions Stakes.
Hills jumped his mount out of the gate early and with Dancing Master for company the partnership dictated the pace throughout.
Once his main rival weakened at the furlong pole Bourgainville ran on in fine style to beat Azkaban who came late to grab second by two and a half lengths.
There was a further five lengths back to Dancing Master in third.
