El Caballo looks sure to be a live contender on Finals Day following a hugely promising victory in the Coral Proud To Support British Racing Conditions Stakes at Wolverhampton on Saturday evening.
Runner-up to subsequent Gr3 Molecomb Stakes winner Armor on debut, El Caballo had been off the track since a stylish novice race success at Carlisle in May.
Despite the absence, trainer Karl Burke had issued a positive update beforehand and the 11/8 chance duly delivered under a confident ride from Clifford Lee.
El Caballo wins the Coral Proud To Support British Racing Conditions Stakes (Pic – Jonathan Hipkiss)
In a three-runner field, El Caballo shadowed 11/10 favourite Navello throughout the six-furlong contest before making his challenge in the home straight. He joined Navello at the furlong pole and readily pulled clear of his 91-rated rival to win by three lengths.
This success provides El Caballo with a guaranteed place in the £150,000 Coral All-Weather Three-Year-Old Championships over the same distance at Newcastle on Finals Day.
Lee said: “El Caballo is a lovely horse who has been working really well at home. He should come on a hell of a lot for that.
“In his two runs this year, he ran a blinder first time out and then won comfortably.
“I think the big, galloping track at Newcastle will suit him. It was his first time around a bend today and he was a little bit green but, once he got straightened up, he has quickened away.”
Alan Crombie of part-owners Grange Park Racing said: “El Caballo is without doubt the best horse that Grange Park Racing has been involved in.
“We ran El Caballo first time out against Armor, who has now gone off to stud rated 111, and we said we wouldn’t have been afraid of taking him on again. Then he has gone to Carlisle and won on testing ground and today he has won on the top of it. He is just a very good horse.
“He has come back from an injury and this run was to give him the confidence and to see where we are. He has shown he is well over that and now there is a lot to look forward to.
“Finals Day is an option. We will leave that to Karl as he will make the final decision on that.”
