Royal mission: Aussie star Sunlight being prepared for Ascot sprint double bid
Australian sprinter Sunlight will look to emulate famous native Choisir after trainers Tony McEvoy and his son Calvin unveiled an ambitious Royal Ascot campaign for their star sprinter.
The McEvoys plan to run Sunlight in the King's Stand Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot and, if all goes to plan, she will reappear in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes just four days later.
In 2003, Choisir won both events for New South Wales-based Paul Perry and Godolphin's Blue Point completed the sprint double last season.
"It's very exciting," Calvin McEvoy said. "Everyone's looking for a horse that can take them overseas and we are very lucky that we could have two [Sunlight and Dubai-bound Hey Doc] potentially going with live chances.
"Royal Ascot would be a great experience for not only us but [jockey] Luke Currie, the owners and the staff. It would be great if it all comes off."
McEvoy said on Friday the three-time top-level winner would return in the Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes on April 11 at Morphettville, then go to the Group 1 Sangster Stakes, on May 2, before going to England.
McEvoy said he is thrilled with the way Sunlight has returned after a splint-bone injury which required surgery in December. That setback forced connections to rethink her autumn campaign, raising the possibility of a Royal Ascot challenge.
He added: "She's been back here at Flemington, she's just been cantering. She's still in the early stages but looks like she's really enjoying herself.
"She was very fresh last week, we've upped her work a little bit which she has enjoyed. Physically she looks incredible, she looks like she's been in work for a long time. Her skin is so healthy and well, so she is on the right track."
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