FIGHTER’S NO RUN OF THE MILL
IT would be a victory for the little guy if Spartan Fighter captures Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury for trainer Declan Carroll.
With just 35 horses under his care at his stables in Yorkshire, Carroll faces a formidable task taking on the big guns.
John Gosden and Richard Hannon and many other trainers have in excess of 200 horses at their disposal.
But the lack of numbers has not prevented Carroll from finding a star in Spartan Fighter.
Prior to his latest performance at York, when eighth behind Threat in last month’s Gimcrack, he had posted some solid performances.
“At York he didn’t get the run of race,” said Carroll. “Just watch it and you will see he simply did not get into it.” Spartan Fighter had earlier earned his colours to have a crack at the York event after beating the smart A’Ali at Ripon.
A’Ali went on to take the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and further success followed at Deauville and Doncaster.
Carroll (below) does not give much away but admitted he has a smart colt on his hands.
“We did think about taking him to Ascot, but I just felt he was still a little bit immature,” he explained.
“He’s a horse I think will progress as the year goes on, we’ve always liked him. “We’ve been targeting this race,” said Carroll. “But I’m keeping an eye on the ground – we are after good ground.”
Spartan Fighter is best priced at 14-1 with Paddy Power, behind the 7-2 market leader Mystery Power from the Hannon yard.