Muhannak set for July comeback

Last season's Breeders' Cup Marathon winner Muhannak could return to action in July.

The five-year-old gelding is reported to be in tip-top shape after having a break since he finished unplaced in the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba in March.

His trainer Ralph Beckett intends steadily building the horse back up in class, before a possible bid for a repeat victory at Santa Anita in November.

"He's in very good shape, he's had a break and the plan is to start him in July, possibly in a 10-furlong Listed race at Newbury, and then work up from there," said the Whitsbury handler.

"I might run him in something like the Geoffrey Freer (at Newbury in August) and work up towards the Breeders' Cup Marathon again.

"We are also considering Dubai again after Christmas.

"They have a synthetic surface and there's a programme of races that will be suit him ideally."