Mehmento fires Classic dream for Hambleton Racing

LONDON: A group of Hambleton Racing’s syndicate owners are dreaming of Classic success in Paris this weekend as bargain-buy Mehmento bids for glory in the French 2000 Guineas.

Bought for just £14,000 at last year’s breeze-up sales, the Archie Watson-trained colt was hugely impressive in winning his first two starts on the all-weather at Southwell, earning him a step up in class for last month’s Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

The decision to pitch the Mehmas colt in at Group Three level on his turf debut was fully vindicated as he was beaten just a neck into second by Richard Hannon’s Chindit, who has since finished fifth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Mehmento is now set to test the water Group One level in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.

Watson said: “Mehmento took a big step up in class in his stride and ran a huge race in the Greenham.”

Mehmento has nine owners who are spread out from Scotland to West Sussex.

Simon Turner, director of racing for the Hambleton team, reports much excitement as they aim for further top-level honours following the success of Glen Shiel on Champions Day at Ascot last season.

Mehmento is one of 13 remaining contenders for the French 2000 Guineas following Wednesday’s latest forfeit stage.

His potential rivals include Jim Bolger’s 2000 Guineas hero Poetic Flare, Aidan O’Brien’s champion two-year-old from last season St Mark’s Basilica and Michael Bell’s The Lir Jet.