Holler Pleases O'Shea In Newmarket Gallop

Holler, who runs in the G1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, worked this morning (Thursday, June 9) at Newmarket, UK, on the Limekilns.

Together with a lead horse, the Australian sprinter covered six furlongs on the straight grass gallop under his regular work rider Richie Cronin, cantering for the first two furlongs and then quickening up for the final half-mile.

Trainer John O'Shea, who arrived in Britain on Wednesday, was pleased with Holler, who will have his final work on Tuesday, June 14.

He said: "Holler seemed to handle that bit of work and I am happy with him.

"He has been here a week and there were no issues with travelling. He is back to his race weight now."

O'Shea explained: "He is a horse who likes to control a race and probably over five furlongs would not have that luxury. When you watch his wins, he controls the race from the front or outside the lead. There is more chance to get into a rhythm over six furlongs.

"He won the G2 Australia Stakes on January 23 and then he won at Randwick, beating a very good field in the G1 Canterbury Stakes on March 5.

"He was probably a bit unlucky at the Valley in the G1 William Reid when he was beaten a short-head second on March 24. He usually kicks on the bend, but his wheels were spinning a bit and he couldn't get traction.

"Holler is a big, tough, galloping horse and I think he will be OK at Ascot. When he won at Randwick, John Ferguson put Royal Ascot on the radar.

"We got through the William Reid and started to prepare him after that. James McDonald will be here on Sunday and will gallop the horse on Tuesday.

"I have been mindful to get the right fitness level with Holler so he is competitive on Saturday week. Today looked pleasing to the eye and Holler is a very straightforward horse."

"Royal Ascot is the number one meeting in the world and it is an honour to represent Australia and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed."