Rebecca Menzies will find out more about the genuine pace and potential of her juvenile colt Adonius when he lines up in the Veuve Clicquot Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday. The unbeaten son of Soldier’s Call has taken his three starts in stride and his trainer believes the quick five furlongs on the Sussex Downs should suit his front‑running style.
Recent form and careful planning
Adonius began the season with two victories at Musselburgh inside a week and completed a hat‑trick with a dominant display in the Lily Agnes at Chester in early May. That Chester performance prompted a part‑sale to American interests, but his handler has resisted rushing him into the big summer fixtures, instead shaping a campaign that keeps long‑term targets in view.
On the ground preparation, Menzies says the colt has been kept fresh, including beach gallops at Redcar, while work at home has satisfied the team that he arrives at Goodwood in strong order. She is realistic about the step up in class that the Molecomb represents, but sees it as the next logical probe for a horse she and her staff hold in high regard.
“It’s obviously a big day for the whole team and we’re really looking forward to it. He’s done nothing wrong so far and the speed he showed at Chester suggests the quick five furlongs at Goodwood should suit him really well.”
How the form stacks up
Menzies has pointed to the Chester form as a reliable guide: runners that finished close to Adonius have since won at Epsom and Newbury, with others claiming victories after that race. Those results give her confidence that the colt’s form will stand up against the higher quality he’ll face at Goodwood.
The broader plan for the season remains ambitious but measured. Although Royal Ascot was considered, connections elected to bypass it and keep Adonius fresh with a view to later targets, including a possible trip to America for the Breeders’ Cup should the juvenile continue to progress.
Opposition notes
One striking rival is Pershaada, trained by Richard Hannon and lightly raced over the track and distance. Having shed her maiden tag at Goodwood at the third attempt and produced a credible fourth in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot, her owners are prepared to take her into open company and test her against the colts.
“She won at the track in good style and in a good time and that Queen Mary form is red‑hot – everything that comes out of it seems to be either winning big races or running big races in big races.”
- Adonius: unbeaten in three, including the Lily Agnes at Chester; part‑sold to American interests.
- Preparation: beach work at Redcar and targeted schooling; Royal Ascot bypassed to protect long‑term targets.
- Target: a measured campaign with an eye on the Breeders’ Cup if progress continues.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trainer | Rebecca Menzies (County Durham) |
| Recent form | Three wins, including Chester (Lily Agnes) |
| Next engagement | Veuve Clicquot Molecomb Stakes, Goodwood (Group 3) |
| Long‑term aim | Breeders’ Cup (identified as a dream end‑of‑season target) |
The Molecomb provides a useful litmus test. For local supporters and those who follow northern yards, Adonius’s performance will indicate whether the colt can handle stronger, faster company and justify the team’s careful management. Whatever happens, the decision to pick and choose his engagements underlines the measured approach behind his early success.
For racing followers in the area, attention will be on how his early speed translates to Goodwood’s five‑furlong trek and whether Menzies’s faith that the track will suit is borne out on the day.
