Dunlop readying Khan for knockout blow

Ed Dunlop is keen to keep the options open for his talented youngster Native Khan.

The Azamour colt won as he liked on his racecourse introduction at Newmarket and confirmed that promise with victory in Sandown’s Solario Stakes.

“He’s in very good form and it will probably be the Royal Lodge, the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere or the Dewhurst for him next,” said Dunlop.

“Those are the plans at the moment and the ground will be a consideration – I wouldn’t be keen to run him if it’s very soft.

“We’ll see what the autumn brings, but I’m very happy with him and we’ve had no problems.”

Dunlop was also able to provide a positive update on star filly Snow Fairy, who is reported to be none the worse following her creditable fourth in the St Leger.

“She’s come out of the race very well and she obviously didn’t stay, but I thought she was going as well as anything three furlongs out,” the trainer continued.

“Sadly she didn’t get home but it wasn’t disastrous and the form of her run in the Yorkshire Oaks has been upheld with Midday winning again at the weekend and Sir Michael Stoute’s filly (Eleanora Duse) winning the Blandford Stakes.

“The Prix de l’Opera is her number one option as long as we’re happy with her and if we need a bit longer there is the Champion Stakes.

“There are a number of things to factor into it.”