Takeover's on course to hit the target again

Going strong: Takeover Target (far left) is hotly fancied to land tomorrow's Golden Jubilee Stakes despite his advancing years
John O'Hara13 April 2012

Few foreign horses have endeared themselves to British racegoers quite like Australian veteran Takeover Target and he can strengthen that bond by beating a strong field in tomorrow's Golden Jubilee Stakes at 3.45.

Aussie sprinters have had an impact at Royal Ascot since Choisir landed the King's Stand and the Golden Jubilee in 2003 and Takeover Target himself is a previous winner at the meeting, admittedly over a furlong shorter than tomorrow.

However, trainer Joe Janiak believes the nine-year-old has lost some speed but has gained a little extra stamina and feels that six furlongs is the ideal trip for his stable star.

That statement was backed up on Tuesday in the five-furlong King's Stand when Takeover Target was seen running on with purpose in the later stages behind the Spanishtrained winner Equiano.

A low draw has been paramount on the straight course this week and coming out of stall two Janiak couldn't ask for more.

Takeover Target is definitely the one they all have to beat having been third in the Golden Jubilee two years ago and runner-up last year to Soldier's Tale. Jeremy Noseda's sevenyearold reopposes again but, without-a run under his belt this season-it is asking a huge amount to expect a repeat performance.

A more potent home-trained rival looks to be Sakhee's Secret, winner of last year's July Cup, who was clearly in need of the run when making an encouraging reappearance in the behind Captain Gerrard in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket.

Trainer Hughie Morrison will have Sakhee's Secret in top shape for this and stall nine is not too bad in a field of 20, but whether he will quite have the speed to reel in Takeover Target, who has the huge advantage of the rails, is the question.

Arguably the best sprinter in Europe this year is Marchand D'Or, who beat Equiano last month on softish ground.

The five-year-old is a class act when there is give underfoot but with the ground firming up all the time and coming out of stall 12, the French challenger is up against it.

A lively outsider could be Zidane who will appreciate the step up to six furlongs again having found the minimum trip against him last time.

The one problem is that he needs luck in running as has to be produced very late.

Takeover Target isn't the only runner from the southern hemisphere as New Zealand raider Seachange will also be bidding to land the £375,000 Group 1 prize.

After two near misses and with the extra furlong deemed to be in his favour these days, Takeover Target will never get a better chance.

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