Mirjan ready for Ces test
Having finished seventh on his first attempt in 2004, the gelding went on to fill the same position behind Sergeant Cecil in last year’s two-mile-two-furlong marathon.
“As far as the horse’s programme is concerned it has gone very well, we’re happy with him and we’ve done all the work we want,” said Lungo.
“He’s fresh and well and he’ll have one little piece of work midweek.
“But he’s at his right racing weight and everything’s right so we’ll get him there fit and well and I hope he runs well.”
Mirjan gained his first success on the level for over two years when scoring at Newcastle in August and Lungo has been pleased to see the form subsequently upheld.
“Obviously from the race that he won last time the second (Numero Due) has come out and won since so the form of that race seems to be working out,” the Carrutherstown-based trainer told At The Races.
“There’s lots of positives but on the negative side he’s 10 and can’t be improving and he’s never won off 93 before.
“But if we were to get some cut in the ground and catch him in the right mood - because he is a moody little horse – we are optimistic of a good run.
“I hope Jim Crowley will ride, he was on him at Newcastle and he also rode him at Ascot in the Brown Jack Stakes.”
Members of the Elite Racing Club were saddened by the retirement of prize asset Soviet Song but hope Mirjan’s lesser-fancied stablemate Monolith can provide them with the perfect tonic by landing the Cesarewitch.
The son of Bigstone won over the specialist trip at Pontefract earlier this year and promises to be suited by the likely end-to-end gallop.
“He’ll like the ground and will love the trip, so I’m sure he’ll take his chance if he gets in okay,” confirmed Matthew Budden, Elite’s racing manager.
Mirjan and Monolith were two of 36 horses to stand their ground in the £150,000 handicap at the five-day declaration stage – along with last season’s Triumph Hurdle hero and ante-post favourite Detroit City.
Philip Hobbs’ charge warmed up for the race by collecting a charity event over a mile and a half at Chepstow at the weekend – a victory that rocketed him to the head of the market for the stamina test.
Bookmakers have already been stung once before by the son of Kingmambo when he galloped to glory as the well-supported 7-2 favourite at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
The combination of his latest romp and the strong support seen from ante-post punters means the layers are worried they could again be on the receiving end at the weekend.
