One-time Classic hope Nakheel could make his eagerly-awaited return to action in Saturday’s Betfred “Treble Odds On All Luckys” Superior Mile at Haydock.

Mark Johnston is hoping that one-time 2000 Guineas hopeful Nakheel will be seen on the track again before the season is out.

Nakheel has been ruled out of the Stan James 2000 Guineas after being found to have suffered a stress fracture of his pelvis.

Mark Johnston hopes to know more about the chances of Nakheel making the Stan James 2000 Guineas line-up after owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s vet visits the colt on Friday.

Mark Johnston’s Nakheel, as short as 10-1 in some lists for the Stan James 2000 Guineas, is under a cloud and will not have his planned racecourse gallop at Newmarket this week.

Mark Johnston is toying with the idea of sending Nakheel straight for the Stan James 2000 Guineas without the benefit of a prep run.

EUROPE'S handicappers are dreaming of a mouth-watering clash between Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Hurricane Run and Japanese Triple Crown winner Deep Impact in the Longchamp showpiece in October.