Cat sets sights on Plate
Alastair Lidderdale is considering a tilt at the John Smith's Northumberland Plate with Calico Cat who has defied expectations in his short career.
Last Updated: 29/05/12 3:57pm
Calico Cat could try to continue his remarkable season in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate having exceeded all expectations in his first three runs in a 15-day period.
A basement level purchase by Alastair Lidderdale, the son of Tiger Hill raised a few eyebrows when third to Memphis Tennessee in the Group Three Ormonde Stakes on his racecourse debut at Chester.
After opening his account at Thirsk, the half-brother to 2007 Racing Post Trophy winner Ibn Khaldun was runner-up to Cavalryman in a Listed race at York on Saturday.
A step up to two miles, possibly in the Plate at Newcastle on June 30, is now likely for the Chris Beek-owned gelding.
Fluid Plans
"We've been contemplating going for the Northumberland Plate. He's been given a mark of 108 now and plans are fluid," said Lambourn-based Lidderdale.
"He's had three quick runs so we'll see how he goes on over the next few weeks before we make any final plans.
"Obviously he's got a lovely pedigree, but we bought him very cheaply.
"We hope he'd be OK, but he has surprised us for him to do as well as he has.
"What he's done has been a pleasant surprise.
"We have thought about stepping him up in trip. He ran very well over a mile and a half at Thirsk. That was probably a decent effort.
"It opens up potential for the top-class staying races if does get two miles.
"We have ideas in the back of our minds where we would like to go next."