Poetic Flare Given Sussex Stakes Target

Arguably the miler of the season so far, Poetic Flare for Jim Bolger is set to head to Glorious Goodwood next week seeking more Group One glory in the Sussex Stakes.

Poetic Flare has been the yards flag bearer this season racing five times and going on to win three times, including two big Group One events over a mile.

Having been a smart juvenile, he stepped up this term for his debut at Leopardstown over seven furlongs in the Listed 2000 Guineas Trial and ran out a very smart winner.

He took that form straight to Newmarket for the first Classic of the season and having gone under the radar in the market he swooped home late to take the event.

The three year old was quickly put back on track for the French 2000 Guineas and although running well just faded late on to finish sixth.

He bounced back to form in a big way just a week later when a narrow second to stablemate Mac Swiney in the Irish 2000 Guineas.

Given much longer off the track he was last seen fresh as a daisy in the Group One St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and he ran out an emphatic winner.

He has not done a lot wrong this season and having been given a nice enough break again he should throw up another big performance in the Sussex Stakes and his trainer is pleased to see the ground will likely be extremely quick which will suit his colt.

(Credit ATR) Bolger said: “He handles soft ground but he’s better on good ground.

“He is very well balanced, so I don’t think Goodwood holds any problems for him.

“He’s a heavyweight in every regard and is over 500kg.

“He’s a very easy horse to manage, because he knows his job and he thrives on racing.

“He has a great appetite for eating and for working – he’s just like his sire Dawn Approach in every way.

“He has one more bit of work to get through and will then arrive at Goodwood on Monday.

“It’s a very special race and a race I’ve not won before.”