O'Shea bullish about Holler's Ascot hopes

Friday 17 June 2016, 11:34am

John O'Shea is confident Holler's front-running style can bring Royal Ascot success for Godolphin in the Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

The Sydney trainer has been in the UK for the past two weeks with Holler who was galloped for the final time by jockey James McDonald at the Limekilns facility in Newmarket on Tuesday.

The field for Saturday's 1200m showpiece, which has an overall purse of $AU1.13million, has been cut to 10 horses because of persistent rain in the south of England this week.

However, the Godolphin team insist the four-year-old will run.

"He's had a nice preparation since arriving in Newmarket and appears to have met the challenges of the undulating ground and the straight run," O'Shea said.

Holler, currently priced at $12 by British bookmakers, has been drawn in barrier nine, sandwiched between favourite Magical Memory and second favourite The Tin Man.

O'Shea believes that position can work in his favour and potentially give him the opportunity to emulate his display in the Group One Canterbury Stakes at Randwick in March where he led from start to finish.

All Three of Holler's success have come over 1200 metres and he was pipped on the line to finish a short-head second in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley last time out on March 25.

"He's a horse who likes to control a race and probably over five furlongs (1000m) would not have that luxury," he said.

"When you watch his wins, he controls the race from the front or outside the lead.

"He was probably a bit unlucky at the Valley. He usually kicks on the bend, but his wheels were spinning a bit and he couldn't get traction.

"Holler is a big, tough, galloping horse and I think he will be OK at Ascot."

– AAP

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