Good Friday an option for Ertijaal
Connections of Ertijaal will consider letting the exciting colt line up at Lingfield on Good Friday.
Last Updated: 07/04/14 4:53pm
The three-year-old made a big impression when landing the Spring Cup at Lingfield last month, leaving trainer William Haggas eyeing a tilt at the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 3.
While plans remain fluid, Ertijaal holds an entry in the 32Red All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Conditions Stakes and that could be used a stepping-stone to the first Classic of the year.
Angus Gold, racing manager for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: "I think it's still probably too early to say (whether he will run in the Guineas).
"I'm in Sydney at the moment, but I gather he came out of the Lingfield race very well. Richard Hills tells me the horse is very well and has come on a lot.
"I haven't spoken to William about plans. When I left England we were thinking if he was going for the Guineas he would go straight to Newmarket, but I think William thinks the race on Good Friday might fit in well.
"We probably won't make a decision until next week, but the horse is well and going in the right direction."
Last month Haggas saddled Mukhadram to fill the runner-up spot in the Dubai World Cup and Gold does not expect him to resurface this side of Royal Ascot in June.
Gold said: "He has not long been back from Dubai, but he's fine I believe and we'll see if we can get him to Ascot.
"I wouldn't have thought he'd run before then.
"He's been on the go most of the winter to get him ready for Dubai and he can't keep going all year."