Al Zir set to step up

Saeed bin Suroor is looking forward to stepping Al Zir up in trip after he finished a creditable ninth in last weekend’s 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The American-bred colt was having his first start of the season in the Rowley Mile Classic and his trainer believes he will come into his own when encountering middle distances later this season.

“He’s sound and happy and has come out of the Guineas with no problems,” said bin Suroor.

“I think with a little extra distance he will do fine.

“He is in the Dante Stakes at York next week but that will come too soon for him.”