Commonwealth Cup: Vandeek to carry on sprinting

Dual Group One-winning juvenile Vandeek has been installed as the favourite in Coral’s 2024 Commonwealth Cup betting odds after connections confirmed he will continue sprinting next season.

Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, the son of Havana Grey maintained his unbeaten record with a scintillating display in the Middle Park at Newmarket at the weekend.

Connections had left the door ajar for him to possibly step up to seven furlongs in the Dewhurst Stakes on October 14, but after lengthy discussions the decision has been made to end his season and resist the urge to stretch his stamina.

Chris Wall, racing manager for owners KHK Racing, said: “Sheikh Khalid has decided to stick to sprinting.

“We had long discussions last night and that was the way he wanted to go and that is fine, we’re all supportive of it.

“There’s nothing else for Vandeek to run in now so we hope he winters well and he’ll come back with a view to the Commonwealth Cup as his principal early-season target.

“I think he’s all about speed so I think we should play to his strengths rather than ask him to do something out of his comfort zone.”

Vandeek leads the Commonwealth Cup betting odds at 4/1 ahead of Bucanero Fuerte at 8/1 and 10/1 shot Ramatuelle.

Coral’s David Stevens said: “Having won all four of his starts as a two-year-old, including two Group Ones, over six furlongs, it’s no surprise connections see Vandeek’s future over sprint trips, and following the news that he will be aimed at the Commonwealth Cup rather than the 2000 Guineas, he’s our early 4/1 market leader for the Royal Ascot contest.”