Linas camp consider Hardwicke

Connections of Linas Selection are hoping their four-year-old will make it to the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 23.

The colt improved at a rate of knots last year and, after winning the King George V Handicap at the Royal meeting, he finished third in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood behind Sixties Icon before a setback curtailed his season.

Injury also sidelined stable companion and Hardwicke entry Soapy Danger, winner of the Queens Vase at the Royal meeting in 2006.

Both colts are owned by Renata Jacobs and are in training with Mark Johnston at Middleham, but the last-named will not return to the five-day Berkshire jamboree this year.

“They are both in work and we said we would have a look at the Hardwicke, with Linas Selection in particular. That is still very much in our minds but we haven’t fully decided yet,” said Gary Coffey, racing manager to the owner.

“Soapy Danger won’t be running at Ascot. We hope to have Soapy out from mid-summer onwards.

“At the moment we are thinking of heading straight to Ascot with Linas Selection. Mark has such a fantastic record at Royal Ascot, and in particular the Hardwicke. and he is progressing nicely.

“As the year went on they both improved nicely and it will be nice to see them back on the track.”