Simon Mapletoft on the AWC: Stable Tours – James Tate

Tate has a dark horse for the 3YO Sprint Final and aims to gain valuable black type with classy filly Lamar.

Last season’s Fillies and Mares runner-up LAMAR spearheads the Newmarket handler’s winter team – but a second career in the paddocks beckons the adaptable daughter of Cape Cross. “My plan has always been to run her in the first Fast Track Qualifier, the Listed Fleur De Lys Stakes at Lingfield, and take it from there,” says Tate. “Her owner is keen to breed from her but she may have a few more big races in her before that decision is made.”

He had a tough decision to make ahead of Finals Day after Lamar had run with distinction over seven and a half furlongs and a mile and a quarter. He plumped for the Fillies Final in preference to the Coral Easter Classic and the plan almost paid off, despite a poor draw. “Ryan Moore gave her a cracking ride and might have won if the draw had been kinder. I can’t think of many horses that proved themselves at a high level over such diverse trips,” he adds.

Adham could emerge as another star performer. This speedy juvenile won on fast ground over five furlongs at Lingfield in June and supplemented that on firm at Bath a month later. He struggled in Listed company at York and in the Group Three Cornwallis at Newmarket when the ground went against him. “He’s all about speed and likes to run from the front so although he’s never run on the All-Weather I think he will be a natural on those sharp tracks and could be a genuine contender for the 3YO Sprint Final,” says Tate.

Urban Castle is on the hunt for black type after just missing out in the Listed Chalice Stakes at Newmarket in August. She has won twice on sand, over a mile and a half and a mile and three-quarters at Wolverhampton, and could make an impact in staying qualifiers off a mark of 96 before heading to the paddocks with Lamar.

Tate will also bring Sbraase back for a winter campaign following a summer break. “He got injured at Chelmsford in April so will come back a fresh horse. He loves Wolverhampton, winning there twice last winter, and also acted at Chelmsford but I don’t think he would enjoy running downhill into that bend at Lingfield,” adds the trainer.