Finjaan to have Classic prep

Marcus Tregoning will target Finjaan at one of the seven-furlong Classic trials ahead of a possible tilt at the Stan James 2000 Guineas.

The Lambourn trainer was delighted that Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s colt got the seven furlongs in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on his first attempt at the trip, even though he was pipped into third behind Intense Focus and Lord Shanakill in the Newmarket Group One.

“He’s fine and has taken his race really well. We’re very pleased with him so we’ll put him away for next year now,” said Tregoning of the Royal Applause colt who is as big as 33-1 for the Guineas.

“The race went very well for him. It was a bit disappointing to get beaten so narrowly, but it was a good try and he’s run his best race so far.

“He’ll run in one of the seven-furlong trials, like the Greenham at Newbury for instance. We’ll take it from there and decide, but obviously we have no firm plans yet.”

Tregoning was also happy with Askar Tau’s performance when an unlucky-in-running fourth in the totesport.com Cesarewitch.

“He got into a lot of traffic problems. He needed a bit more racing room which he didn’t get. By the time he got out the first three had flown,” he went on.

“I’m not too disappointed. To finish fourth in a race like that was a good effort. He was the best three-year-old and he will be progressive, I’m certain of that.

“He’s done enough for this year. He’s rated 105 so we’ll have a look at all the good staying races for him.”