Stravinsky's connections yesterday confirmed the colt will definitely contest the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, discarding his option to run in the Mile.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained July Cup and Nunthorpe winner was partnered by Michael Kinane for exercise on the dirt track under the watchful eye of principal owner Michael Tabor.
Leaving the viewing gantry, Tabor said: "It is definitely the Sprint - he will go for the dirt." And Tabor was more than pleased with the colt's number seven draw.
Kinane is in no doubt the decision to pursue the sprint title is correct. "His well-being is great and if he can adapt to this situation he is going to be there."
Kinane will partner Mull of Kintyre (drawn five) in preference to Brahms (drawn 14), now the mount of Olivier Peslier, in the Juvenile. "I rode Mull of Kintyre this morning and I think he is the best horse - it is a question of how he has adapted," he said.
Warrior Queen is in stall eight for the Juvenile Fillies' and Tabor was content overall. "Mull of Kintyre and Stravinsky both got decent draws and they would be our two best chances," he said.
Cork bookmakers Cashmans yesterday reported good support for three horses in Saturday's James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal. They have cut Dorans Pride to 9 to 4 from 5 to 2, Ferbet Junior to 5 to 1 from 13 to 2 and Manus The Man to 20 to 1 from 33 to 1.
Brendan Powell was taken to hospital yesterday after being injured in a heavy fall at Newton Abbot. Powell was riding Rathgibbon for trainer Bob Buckler in the Claude Whitley Memorial Challenge Cup when his mount fell on the first circuit. A spokesman would not specify the nature of Powell's injuries but reported that he was "comfortable".
