Star colts to fly Australian flag at Royal Ascot
Two of Australia’s top three-year-old colts are set to be prepared for races at Royal Ascot in 2022.
Chris Waller on Tuesday confirmed that Home Affairs will miss the remainder of the Sydney Autumn Carnival to be set for a Northern Hemisphere campaign, before a likely stud career beckons for the Coolmore-owned three-year-old.
After disappointing as favourite in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 12, Waller reported that the colt pulled up well, but some tightness in his body has caused him to miss the TJ Smith Stakes on Day 1 of The Championships at Royal Randwick.
“Home Affairs has pulled up bright and well following the Newmarket Handicap however does have some tightness across his back and hindquarters,” Waller’s media release read.
“We have therefore made the decision that rather than running in the TJ Smith, he will have a quiet time over the next two weeks while we concentrate on a Northern Hemisphere campaign including Royal Ascot.”
Waller says no plans have been made as to which races the dual-Group 1 winner will take part in at Royal Ascot, but should he run in the Platinum Jubilee over 1200m, another clash with fellow Australian three-year-old Artorius could be on the cards.
Nothing but brilliance from Home Affairs. 💨 pic.twitter.com/NQPSHf4knO
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 30, 2021
The 2021 Blue Diamond winner has been confirmed to head to the United Kingdom to run in both the Platinum Jubilee at Royal Ascot and in the July Sprint at Newmarket.
The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained three-year-old was also last seen in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington when finishing midfield, and like Home Affairs, he will have a short spell before embarking on his across-the-world voyage.
“That Platinum Jubilee and then July Cup are the two targets front of mind for him,” co-trainer Sam Freedman told Racing.com.
“They are both on testing tacks with a strong, uphill finishes which should hopefully bring into play his ability run out a strong 1400m.
“Also, the races over there, they always go along at a good tempo, which should suit him.”