Coronation Cup and Royal Ascot targets for Flintshire

Flintshire en route to Group 1 glory in Hong Kong. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

French-based QIPCO British Champions Series star Flintshire could be targeted at the Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom on Derby Day, as well as Royal Ascot, after finishing second in the Dubai Sheema Classic.

The Andre Fabre-trained five-year-old, who was second in both the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe and at the Breeders’ Cup last season, was unable to defeat Alain De Royer-Dupre’s filly Dolniya in the Meydan Group 1 contest.

However, despite missing out on the top honours in Dubai, Fabre has suggested that Flintshire could be next aimed at the Investec Coronation Cup, where he finished behind Cirrus des Aigles in 2014, with a trip to the Royal meeting in June also likely.

Fabre told the Press Association: "I was quite happy with him. He ran a good race (in the Dubai Sheema Classic).

"We will see how he is, but we will be looking at all the big races like the Coronation Cup and (Royal) Ascot.

"He’s a Group One winner, so there are not so many options for him."