Khan should prove class, says Dunlop
It is the grey’s third bid for Classic success, having placed third behind Frankel in the 2000 Guineas before running well on his first try at a mile and a half in the Derby.
Johnny Murtagh took the ride for the first time at Epsom and the partnership will be maintained at the Curragh.
“I think he got a little bit trapped down on the rail at Epsom. It was Johnny’s first time riding the horse and he felt he could have finished a length and a half closer,” said Dunlop. “He is such a good mover and he floats over fast ground, so the more it dries out the better. He showed in the Derby he stays the mile and a half, though he is versatile enough to drop back to 10 furlongs should we so wish, and he only needs to find a little improvement to reverse the form with the others.
“Johnny is adamant that, while the Curragh is more of a stamina track than Epsom, it will suit Native Khan better,” the trainer said.
Native Khan has ground to make up on Epsom runner-up Treasure Beach, third-placed Carlton House and the fourth home Memphis Tennessee, but Murtagh remains hopeful.
“He ran a good race in Epsom. He has a couple of lengths to make up, but hopefully he can do that.”
