Views from connections ahead of Wednesday’s Listed Front Events Foundation Stakes at Goodwood, featuring Basem.
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Basem: Best with ease underfoot, like his siblings
Saeed bin Suroor is keeping his fingers crossed for ease in the ground at Goodwood ahead of Basem‘s bid to regain winning ways in Wednesday’s Front Events Foundation Stakes.
A full-brother to dual Group One winner Farhh and the exciting Winter Hill Stakes winner Racing History, Basem managed to win a couple of valuable handicaps at Sandown this summer on quick ground.
He ran a fine race to finish fourth in Goodwood’s Betfred Mile in late July and was last seen when claiming third behind subsequent Woodbine Mile hero Mondialiste in the Strensall Stakes at York.
However, while Basem has shown an ability to handle a sound surface, his trainer is adamant he will be more effective when he encounters cut in the ground.
Bin Suroor said: “He is in good form and good condition, but I would like to see some rain for him.
“All the family, including Farhh and Racing History, are better on easy ground.
“I think Basem is the same and if the ground is suitable, I’m hopeful of a good run from him.”
The four-year-old is the highest-rated horse in an eight-strong field.
The consistent Hors De Combat represents James Fanshawe, while Battalion is set to line up for William Haggas after sidestepping a weekend engagement at Newbury.
David Livingston makes his debut for Roger Charlton and his first competitive appearance since running in Dubai for Mike de Kock in January of last year.
Michael Attwater is looking forward to seeing Empire Storm make his first start since running at Meydan in February.
He said: “He came back from Dubai with a problem with his hock and it has just taken time to get him right.
“We’ve done a lot (of work) with him. I’m sure he’ll be better for the run, but I’m hopeful he’ll run a good race.
“A mile is probably more ideal for him, but he does have form over a mile and a quarter and he likes soft ground, so fingers crossed.”
Wannabe Yours, Room Key and Jelly Monger complete the line-up.