Jockey James McDonald has been thrilled with the form shown by Holler since his arrival in the UK and is confident the three-year-old will prove tough to beat in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1207m) at Royal Ascot this weekend.
Holler is primed for a big performance in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot this weekend. Photo: Steve Hart
Holler booked a trip to Royal Ascot and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on the back of an impressive four-start Autumn Carnival campaign this year; highlighted by wins in each of the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) and Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m).
Having partnered the son of Commands in a strong piece of work at Newmarket earlier this week, McDonald told Racing Victoria he couldn’t be more pleased with the horse and believes he will be suited to the unique Royal Ascot conditions in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
“He’s in great form, I couldn’t believe it when I first sat on him on Tuesday,” McDonald said.
“He has really adapted to the straight conditions which we never saw from him in Australia, he had never been up the straight there.
“You never know, he might grow another leg.
“He really has adapted to the undulating surfaces and the straight rise at Newmarket, I felt that he worked really well.
“There will be no stone unturned and he is going into the race in great order.”
Holler will jump from barrier 9 in a field of ten in the 2016 Diamond Jubilee Stakes and McDonald is confident he will find the right running from the draw; his only query being the possible state of the track when the race is run.
“I’m really happy with the barrier in the small field,” McDonald said.
“I think he will be in the right part of the track and he makes his own luck on top of the speed.
“I’d like it to be not so puggy out there. It is quite testing ground; he will like to get his toe in the ground.
“I’d like it to either rain on the day, just to loosen it up a little, or to keep dry.”
Holler has been a strong and consistent performer for Godolphin through a short but impressive career so far; claiming four wins and a further five minors through eleven starts since debuting in January last year.
Ladbrokes Australia currently rate Holler an $11 chance of success in 2016 Diamond Jubilee Stakes betting markets.
