Big Orange looks tasty proposition at Sandown

Big Orange runs in the Matchboook VIP Henry II Stakes at Sandown on Thursday night. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Two staying stars of the QIPCO British Champions Series – Big Orange and Quest For More – will clash in the Matchboook VIP Henry II Stakes at Sandown on Thursday night.

The pair have both enjoyed glory in the Series. Big Orange has won the past two renewals of the Qatar Goodwood Cup, while Quest For More won the Lonsdale Stakes at Doncaster last autumn before finishing runner-up in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot.

Big Orange, who receives 7lb from Quest For More, ran well behind Vazirabad in Dubai on his return in March and Michael Bell, his trainer, said: “He came back from Dubai looking healthy and well and on ratings it looks like he has an outstanding chance.

“The plan is to run here and then if the ground suits the Gold Cup and then Goodwood. If he doesn’t get his ground, we’ll look at the Princess of Wales’s again [which he has won twice before].”

Quest For More has finished behind Big Orange the past four times they have met, including in Dubai last time.

“As long as the ground is not too soft, he will run at Sandown,” said trainer Roger Charlton. “It was just a case of the ground not suiting at all out in Dubai, that’s why he ran as he did.

“He has been in good form since then.”

Later on the same card, the exciting So Mi Dar makes her return in the Group Three Matchbook Brigadier Gerard Stakes.