Arazan to get another chance

ARAZAN IS set to try and redeem his reputation in next month's Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket after losing his unbeaten record in last weekend's National Stakes.

The John Oxx-trained colt started a hot favourite for the Curragh Group One six days ago but could finish only third behind Mastercraftsman and Shaweel.

That saw Arazan drift significantly in ante-post betting for next year's 2,000 Guineas but Oxx is keen to give the horse another chance this year.

"Maybe that's as good as he is and the other two are better than him," Oxx said yesterday. "But we would like to give him another try in top company. He didn't look to handle the surface the last day.

"He's in the Lagadere in France but the Dewhurst looks the obvious race for him."

Oxx also reported yesterday his Blandford Stakes winner Katiyra would step back up to Group One company for her next start in the Prix de l'Opera over a mile and a quarter on Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe day at Longchamp.

Arc day could also be the next date for David Wachman's top filly Again, who picked up the Moyglare Stud Stakes on her last start.

"She is in the fillies' mile at Ascot next weekend but if she is to run again this season it is more likely to be the Prix Marcel Boussac," the trainer said yesterday. "Or we could leave her alone for the year. There's no pressure with her."

The Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket in two weeks' time is an option for the Prix Morny winner Bushranger, Wachman said: "We will have to see what everyone else is doing but the Middle Park is the most likely race for him."

Coolmore Stud have announced the top stallion Galileo is recovering well from a colic attack on Thursday night. The sire of the Derby winner New Approach was taken to Fethard Equine Hospital and underwent surgery for the problem.

"We are delighted with his progress and his recovery has been uneventful," said Coolmore's general manager Christy Grassick.

"He's doing very well and we expect him to be returning to Coolmore very quickly."

Galileo is this season's leading sire, with the likes of the top filly Lush Lashes and the highly rated juvenile Rip Van Winkle among his progeny.