Iberian drops back to six furlongs as he bids to get his career back on track in the Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Conditions Stakes (5.45pm) at Southwell on Saturday, December 14.
Charlie Hills’ three-year-old looked a top prospect in last year’s G2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, in which he readily defeated subsequent G1 scorers Sunway and Rosallion.
Iberian has failed to reproduce that form in three subsequent appearances at G1 level, trailing home 11th on both of his starts this year in the 2,000 Guineas and Prix Jean Prat. The son of Lope De Vega has since undergone wind surgery.
Richard Ryan, racing manager for part-owner Teme Valley Racing, said: “We are hopeful based on Iberian’s homework. He has always been an impressive worker but has had various setbacks this year.
“We are happy to put a line through his runs in 2024. Charlie’s horses were not in great form at the time but in recent weeks and months they have been largely very consistent.
“Iberian has some very sexy form in the book and hopefully he can show his true ability. He has always shown a lot of speed at home, so the drop back to six furlongs does not frighten us.
“Future plans will be dictated by how Saturday goes. Assuming it is a pleasing outcome, we are considering possibilities of Saudi – the race Annaf won – but we are also looking forward to a grass campaign here next year. We will just take it one step at a time.”
Misty Grey is rated 1lb higher than Iberian with a mark of 108 but has to concede 3lb all round. David O’Meara’s runner has been off the track since the early summer, when he captured valuable handicaps at Newcastle and Epsom Downs on Derby day.
The 2023 Ayr Gold Cup victor Significantly (Julie Camacho) makes his second appearance since undergoing wind surgery, having finished seventh on his comeback at Newcastle last month.
Karl Burke is represented by Silky Wilkie, who has been off the track since late September. The five-year-old finished second to stable-mate Lethal Levi in the Ayr Gold Cup on his penultimate start.
We Never Stop, who scored over the course and distance on his all-weather debut last time out, completes the field for Kevin Ryan.
Southwell’s fixture includes two class three contests, with hat-trick seeker Zip (Richard Fahey) facing 13 rivals in the Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Handicap (6.45pm) over seven furlongs.
Mark Loughnane’s Haku heads nine runners in the 12-furlong Free Bets With BetUK Bet Club Handicap (7.15pm) as he bids to make it three wins from his last four starts.
Promising Newcastle scorer Edge Ofthe Unknown (George Boughey) looks to overcome a penalty in the second division of the mile Boost Your Acca At BetMGM EBF Novice Stakes (4.15pm).
