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Sandown or Epsom options for Spring

3 minute read

Next week's Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown is one of two options under consideration for Sir Michael Stoute's exciting middle-distance performer Arab Spring.

The five-year-old completed a four-timer with victory in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot last June and although he suffered defeat on his only subsequent start of 2014 in the Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket, he made a successful return in Group Three company at Newbury last month.

The son of Monsun is set to either stay at that level for his next start in the Brigadier Gerard at the Esher venue, or test the water in Group One company for the first time in the Coronation Cup at Epsom on Derby day.

Peter Reynolds, manager for owners Ballymacoll Stud, said: " It's very much up in the air. He's entered in the Coronation (Cup) and I think he'll also be entered for the Brigadier Gerard."

Asked whether Arab Spring was likely to make his next appearance in one of the two races, Reynolds said: "That's the way it's going at the moment.

"It will come down to the ground and opposition and all those things.

"I haven't spoken to Sir Michael for a week, but when I last spoke to him he said the horse is fine and working away well."