Dunlop: Fast ground will suit Native Khan

Ed Dunlop is keeping his fingers crossed Native Khan can confirm the promise of his hugely impressive debut success in Saturday’s Alexis Catchpole Celebration Solario Stakes at Sandown.

The grey was sent off at 14-1 for that Newmarket introduction but quickened up in taking style to put the race to bed in a matter of strides.

He was a late withdrawal from last weekend’s Matalan Stakes at Newbury due to the rain-softened ground, and Dunlop hopes conditions will be more suitable in Esher.

“Native Khan is something of a talking horse, and now he has to go and prove himself on the track,” the trainer told his website, www.edunlop.com.

“He made an impressive winning debut in his maiden. This is a step up the ladder.

“He is such a great mover that the fast ground at Sandown will suit him so much better than conditions he would have encountered at Newbury.

“The stiff uphill finish will also be a plus as he is a colt who will soon be wanting a mile. It looks a tough race, but we will find out just where we stand with him.”