Craig Lidster’s prolific filly will be chasing a sixth straight win next time out.
Craig Lidster Weighs Big Decisions After Alfa Kellenic’s Electrifying Victory at York
Craig Lidster's stable is buzzing with excitement following Alfa Kellenic's dazzling fifth consecutive victory, a feat that has launched his promising filly into the spotlight after a remarkable performance at York. Her victory at the Ebor Festival, where she won off a mark of 88, has solidified her place as a rising star in the racing world. The win at Knavesmire marks the pinnacle of Lidster's young training career, but even greater ambitions lie ahead for the three-year-old daughter of Havana Grey, as she is now poised for loftier heights.
Alfa Kellenic’s remarkable journey began humbly, as she broke her maiden on the all-weather track in January. However, it was her transformation into a force in handicaps this summer that caught the eye. In just a matter of months, the filly has consistently climbed the ranks, proving her class and versatility with each run. Now, the partnership between the Goodracingco, Paul Hanagan, and Simon Mapletoft has plenty to consider as they map out the future for their talented charge.
What a race by Alfa Kellenic and Tom Eaves yesterday at @yorkracecourse 🎖️🎉 – making that 5 wins in 5 races!
Congratulations to all the teams at @thegoodracingco, @C_LidsterRacing & @EboracumRacing @Paul_Hanagan #HorseRacing #Winner #Champion pic.twitter.com/TYyfQ0BfJX
— thegoodracingco (@thegoodracingco) August 23, 2024
The Ayr Gold Cup is a tempting next step for Alfa Kellenic, with its lucrative £250,000 purse providing an attractive incentive. Yet, the team behind her must decide whether to pursue this prestigious handicap or opt for a bolder move into black-type territory, where the stakes are higher, and the competition even more fierce.
"We think a lot of the filly and we've brought her along progressively," said Lidster, who is navigating these exciting yet weighty decisions with cautious optimism. "She's done nothing wrong, and we think she's talented. We might have to aim at black type now."
Black type, the coveted status earned by competing in and placing in listed or Group races, would further elevate Alfa Kellenic's value as a racehorse and potential broodmare. With her impressive win streak, the decision to step up in class seems inevitable. But the lure of the Ayr Gold Cup remains, and Lidster acknowledges the weight of the choice.
"The Ayr Gold Cup was a target, but we will probably have a look at the whole of the programme now," Lidster explained. "It's not impossible we will run in it, but we're just sitting on our hands a little until we see where to go."
For a stable still in its early stages, the prospect of entering Alfa Kellenic in a £250,000 race like the Ayr Gold Cup is tantalizing, but so too is the chance to see her compete in Group races, where the rewards may be even greater in the long run. The Easingwold-based trainer is keen to make the right call, knowing that her next step could be pivotal in her burgeoning career.
"You can't sniff at the Ayr Gold Cup," he continued. "But a lot will come down to what the lads want to do. I will have my opinion, but they will have theirs as well."
Collaboration is key in making these choices, as Alfa Kellenic's connections, including seasoned jockey Paul Hanagan and racing broadcaster Simon Mapletoft, weigh the options. The filly’s progression has been nothing short of spectacular, and there’s no doubt that her next race could be career-defining.
A potential alternative to the Ayr Gold Cup lies at Doncaster, where a Group Three contest over seven furlongs could provide the ideal platform for Alfa Kellenic to test her mettle against top-level competition. It’s a decision that requires careful consideration, with every race holding the promise of prestige or disappointment.
“There is a Group Three at Doncaster over seven (furlongs) which is a possible option, but we will cross bridges like that when we come to it," Lidster remarked. "We’re going to reconvene next week and see which way we want to go."
The decision-making process may be daunting, but it’s a position that Lidster and his team could only have dreamed of a few months ago. Alfa Kellenic’s remarkable rise through the ranks has not only brought success but has catapulted Lidster’s stable into the upper echelons of British racing.
As the team plans their next move, one thing is clear: Alfa Kellenic is on the cusp of greatness. Whether her next race is a high-stakes handicap like the Ayr Gold Cup or her first foray into black-type competition, her journey is far from over—and her potential is boundless.
