Gitano on comeback trail

Marco Botti is hoping stable-star Gitano Hernando will be back in racecourse action within the next month.

The four-year-old has been off the track since being beaten into sixth when sent off favourite for the Dubai World Cup, but his Newmarket-based Italian trainer has been encouraged by his recent work.

“He worked on Saturday on the grass with a lead horse and he is coming along very nicely,” said Botti.

“We are really pleased with him and everything is going the right way at the moment, so I couldn’t be happier.

“Team Valor (owners) want to see how he is working before making a plan for him, but one possible race is the Diamond Stakes at Dundalk (October 1).

“Nothing has been decided yet, though, and we have to check how the horse is in the next few weeks.

“Team Valor will make the plans for the horse, but I think the first big target would be the Champion Stakes at Newmarket (October 16).”