Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) is firmly on course for the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. That is despite the fact that Simon and Ed Crisford's dual Group 1-winning juvenile star lost his unbeaten record in the G2 Sandy Lane S. at Haydock.
However, connections have reported the colt to have come out of that seasonal return effort in rude health, and that it is full steam ahead to the royal meeting.
“He's come out of the race very well, Simon and Ed Crisford have been pleased with his work since and it's all systems go for the Commonwealth Cup,” said Chris Wall, racing manager to owners KHK Racing.
“It was very soft ground at Haydock and though he has encountered that before, he was against race-fit rivals on his first run of the season and his legs just couldn't act on it.
“That was the purpose of the run and he's in good form afterwards, we're excited to run him at Royal Ascot.”
KHK Racing also own Sakheer (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), a Roger Varian-trained colt who impressed as a juvenile when winning the Mill Reef at Newbury.
Things have not gone entirely smoothly since, however, and in two runs last year he was well beaten in the 2000 Guineas and the Commonwealth Cup with a large absence after the latter run.
He returned from that 337-day break to contest the Listed Cathedral S. at Salisbury late last month, finishing last of the six contenders.
“He actually scoped very dirty after that run, he had been working well beforehand so it was disappointing at the time,” said Wall.
“Now we have a perfectly good explanation, he will undergo treatment and then when we have him back healthy and hearty we will find something for him – how long that takes, I'm not sure.
“We will move on to plan Z! Realistically we are on about plan G with this horse, but at least we have a reason for his run last time out.”
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