Azamour heads Oxx raid on Newmarket
But the Currabeg-based trainer looks like playing a strong hand elsewhere with Mkuzi set to take on the stayers in the Persian Punch Jockey Club Cup, and Caradak being aimed at the Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes.
Azamour, the Aga Khan-owned colt, produced a devastating turn of foot to nail a high-class field in the Irish Champion Stakes last month.
Other Group One performers Grey Swallow, Powerscourt and Rakti were in arrears that day, making Azamour’s performance of the highest order.
“He had a great burst of speed and maintained it for a full two furlongs or more, which was impressive,” the Currabeg handler continued.
“He won well but started to ease up at the line as there were some photographers on the outside that caught his eye, and he was not doing a lot in the last few strides.
“However, we were very pleased with his burst of acceleration and were delighted with his run.
“He has had a trouble-free preparation so far. We are very happy with him and everything has gone very well. We just hope it continues that way for a few more days.
“It is a tough race, though, and Haafhd - the 2000 Guineas winner - is in there. If he is back in form he could be a big danger.
“We would prefer good ground as he likes good to fast ground best of all.”
Meanwhile, Doyen booked his ticket for the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes when sparkling on the gallops under the watchful eye of trainer Saeed Bin Suroor yesterday.
Godolphin will be hoping the four-year-old can recapture the form that saw him demolish a high-class field in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes in July, after he put up a lacklustre effort at Leopardstown last month.
The Sadler’s Wells colt could only finish seventh behind Azamour.
“Doyen worked well this morning under his usual rider Rodney Bowker and I am happy with him,” said Bin Suroor.
“He is very well and worked with Naheef - who will also run on Saturday.”
The boys in blue are set to run three in the Group One highlight, with Coral-Eclipse Stakes winner Refuse To Bend completing the trio.
Middleham-based Mark Johnston is due to be double-handed with Mister Monet and Lucky Story both set to take their chance.
The latter had a late start to the season after suffering a setback but has progressed with each of his three starts and was last seen chasing home Rakti in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.
Darryll Holland was aboard the Kris S colt that day and will again take the ride on what will be Lucky Story’s first try beyond a mile.
