Alakazi poised to make Group One leap at Ascot

Alakazi looks set to take his chance in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot if the weather proves favourable.

The Johnny Murtagh-trained three-year-old was last seen winning the Group Two Solonaway Stakes at Leopardstown in September and as the ground at Ascot is set to be unusually quick for this time of year, he has his sights set now on a step up in grade.

“We thought the ground may be gone in Ascot but we’ve had 10 days of dry weather and if the ground is good, he’ll definitely go there,” the trainer said.

“He worked well on Friday morning and Ben (Coen, jockey) is very happy with him.

“He’s won a Group Two and it’s another step up to Group One but he’s going well, and I think he deserves his chance.”

King Edward VII Stakes runner up and stablemate Zahrann, also owned and bred by the Aga Khan Studs, has now changed hands and set sail for Australia to continue his career there.

“He’s been sold to Australia and just left last night,” Murtagh said.

“A horse like him could win back his price tag back over there in prize money.

“I would see him as a Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup horse. A mile and a half there would suit him really well.

“He’s a mile-and-a-quarter, mile-and-a-half horse over here and should have no problem staying the Melbourne Cup trip.

“Another year under his belt, anything is possible with him. He’s a good horse.”