Michelle Rix said the Grade 1 wfa Horse Chestnut Stakes had always been just a preparation run for Kommetdieding’s chief target, the Grade 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge, and she was happy with the performance.

She lamented, “It was unusual of him to ping the gates and then tug on the bit. Maybe a slightly faster pace would have suited him better but you can’t cry over spilt milk. We are happy with the way he ran and happy how he came back.”

She said the run was reminiscent of his preparation runs going into the Durban July and the WSB Met.

She added it was nice to have the run under the belt, especially at altitude, and he should have benefited from it.

She said, “He came back fit and sound so we will roll on.”

She concluded, “He spent the day in the paddock yesterday but is well in himself so cracks on with training tomorrow.”

 Picture: Kommetdieding Facebook Page