Wootton dream over as Tin strikes

24 May 2011 - 09:24:23

Richard Fahey will not rush into making plans for Wootton Bassett after his star performer lost his unbeaten record in the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp.

The Iffraaj colt was sent off a hot favourite despite being drawn wide in stall 14, and with his hand slightly forced, Paul Hanagan bounced him out and was able to tack right across to the rail.

But he was soon pulling for his head and though he still held the advantage turning into the straight, he tired inside the last couple of furlongs and passed the post in fifth place behind Tin Horse.

Didier Guillemin's colt quickened up well in the hands of Thierry Jarnet to get the better of the strong-travelling Havane Smoker.

Fahey said: "He's just run a bit fresh I'm afraid, and done too much. He might not have stayed as well, but I wouldn't like to condemn him on that score at the moment.

"We watched the French 1000 Guineas and saw that anything that was dropped in had no chance, so we were trying to be positive on him.

"We weren't thinking he had to make the running, but he's just taken off I'm afraid. I'll have to get him home and watch the race again.

"The fractions were quite quick. Paul knew they were going too quick, but the horse was just too well, if that makes sense.

"If we'd have had a prep run, it would have been easier, but with what happened early in the year (a setback), we missed that.

"I'm not thinking about where he'll go next at the moment. I just want to get him home and we'll go from there."