NAVY MAY SET SAILS
IF all goes to plan for three-year-old colt Merchant Navy in the Newmarket Handicap on Saturday, not only will he be farewelling Aaron Purcell as his trainer but also racing in Australia.
Purcell said Royal Ascot in England was firmly in connections’ plans if he ran well in Saturday’s $1.25 million Group 1 sprint.
“A good run would probably see him go to Royal Ascot,” Purcell said.
“A Group 1 international on his CV would certainly be worth a lot to him as a dual hemisphere stallion.
“Every gallop he’s had he’s got better and his best work for the campaign was at Sandown on Tuesday.”