Fawn closes in on comeback

Last year’s champion filly Peeping Fawn is nearing a return to the track after a lengthy absence.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained four-year-old has yet to run this season but was a revelation last term.

After finishing second in the Epsom Oaks to Light Shift, she rattled off four Group One triumphs – including the Nassau Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks.

“She’s back in good shape and the idea is to get her out in the next couple of months, but we are happy with her progress,” said O’Brien.

“She had a month off in the spring and it just takes a long time to catch up again.”

The news, however, was not so positive about another Ballydoyle absentee, 2007 Melbourne Cup third Mahler.

“Mahler pulled a ligament at the back of his knee and I’m not sure he’s going to make it back this year,” O’Brien told At The Races.