"Craig Lidster Eyes Bigger Prizes for Stable Star Alfa Kellenic After Landmark Fifth Win at York's Ebor Festival"
Craig Lidster is considering the future plans for his standout stable star, Alfa Kellenic, following her impressive five consecutive wins at York.
Since breaking her maiden on the all-weather track in January, she has flourished in handicaps this summer, climbing the ranks and winning with a mark of 88 at the Knavesmire.
The triumph at the Ebor Festival stands as the pinnacle achievement in Easingwold handler Lidster's nascent training career. He now envisions more significant milestones with the three-year-old filly, co-owned by the Goodracingco alongside notable figures Paul Hanagan and Simon Mapletoft.
What an incredible race by Alfa Kellenic and Tom Eaves yesterday at @yorkracecourse šļøš ā securing 5 wins out of 5 races!
Congratulations to all the teams at @theGoodRacingCo, @CLidsterRacing, and @EboracumRacing, as well as @PaulHanagan #HorseRacing #Winner #Champion pic.twitter.com/TYyfQ0BfJX
ā thegoodracingco (@thegoodracingco) August 23, 2024
She is entered in next month's Ayr Gold Cup, and a trip north of the border is seriously being considered for the daughter of Havana Grey. However, given her versatility, which she demonstrated by winning at seven furlongs, her connections might also contemplate stepping up in grade to pursue valuable black type opportunities.
Lidster said: 'We hold the filly in high regard and have developed her steadily. She's performed impeccably and we believe she possesses significant talent, which might warrant targeting black type races now.
'While the Ayr Gold Cup was initially a target, we are now considering the entire programme instead of focusing solely on it. Running in the Ayr Gold Cup is still a possibility; we are just postponing a decision until we better understand our options.'
āYou canāt overlook the Ayr Gold Cup, it's a Ā£250,000 race, or do we pursue the black type route as soon as possible?ā
'She's still holding her handicap mark, but ultimately, the decision will depend on what the team decides. While I'll have my perspective, their views will also play a significant role.'
'There is a Group Three race at Doncaster over seven furlongs, which is a potential option, but we will address decisions like that when the time comes. We plan to reconvene next week to determine our direction.'
