Michael Bell eyes French trip with unbeaten Norfolk Stakes hero The Lir Jet
MICHAEL Bell is eyeing up a trip to France with the unbeaten The Lir Jet.
The exciting colt emulated his dad Prince Of Lir when winning the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He broke the 5f track record on his debut at Yarmouth and was snapped up by Qatar racing in the build up to last month’s Royal meeting.
And Bell reckons the extended five furlongs of the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly on July 19 will be right up the horse’s street.
Bell said: “The Lir Jet is very well and seems none the worse for his Ascot exertions. He was very fresh in his exercise on Tuesday morning.
“He has been entered in the Robert Papin, and that is very much an option because he doesn’t have a penalty for that.
OFFER OF THE DAY
£20 Risk Free Bet with Paddy Power CLAIM HERE
18+ T&Cs apply Begambleaware.org
T&Cs: New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using Cards or Apple Pay will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. Paddy’s Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply. 18+ Begambleaware.org
“He will also hold entries in the Prix Morny and Phoenix Stakes, but he is likely to take his chance in the Papin first.”
With The Lir Jet’s two victories coming fast and slow ground, Bell holds no concerns over the going for his next start.
He said: “He has now won on both quick and softer ground, so we don’t have to avoid certain conditions.
“I don’t see the five-and-a-half-furlong trip being a problem for him, either. Let’s just hope he likes the French air!”
He added: “Before the race I was very confident about his chance, but not during it. There was an anxious moment two out, because it looked like the bird had flown.
“The last furlong I began to feel more hopeful again as he showed what a good turn of foot he has.”