Holler thriving ahead of Royal Ascot
Holler, Australia’s lone hope at Royal Ascot, has acclimatised well in England and is back to his racing weight ahead of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
Trainer John O’Shea arrived in England earlier this week and oversaw the colt’s work-out at Newmarket on Thursday.
Holler had held an entry in the five-furlong (1000m) King’s Stand Stakes at the Royal meeting, but his trainer is convinced the extra distance in next Saturday’s Diamond Jubilee will suit him much better.
“He’s very wintry (in his coat), but he seemed to handle that bit of work so I’m happy enough with that,” O’Shea said..
“He’s been here about a week, and there have been no issues with his travelling and he’s back to his racing weight.
“He’s a horse that likes to control his races and probably at five furlongs he does not have that luxury.
“He’s more chance to get in his rhythm over six furlongs.
“Holler is a big, tough, galloping horse and I think he will be OK at Ascot.”
O’Shea said Holler’s regular jockey James McDonald would travel to England after riding at the Group One meeting at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Among McDonald’s rides are Godolphin’s Etymology in the Queensland Derby and Ambience in the Queensland Oaks.