After missing the G2 Hardwicke S. at Royal Ascot due to fast ground, Shadwell's Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is expected to make his next start in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. July 29. Victorious at the Royal meeting last season in the G1 Coronation Cup, the 6-year-old returned after almost a year on the sidelines following a hind leg fracture to defeat Derby hero Desert Crown (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in May 25 G3 Brigadier Gerard S.
“Hukum will run if and when we get some rain,” confirmed Shadwell's racing manager Angus Gold. “It was a touch and go situation Saturday. We were longing to run him, but [trainer] Owen [Burrows] just felt in the end that, while we could run him and he could win it, he might come back a bit sore after it and we'd all look silly.”
He continued, “We kept him in training and spent a lot of time getting him right again after his injury last year and he just felt it was too big a risk. It is frustrating but sensible.
“Very much the idea is the King George. If the ground was good or even if it was good to firm, we might have to take a chance. That's the big day. We will see how we are going nearer the time.”
Gold also confirmed that G1 Prince of Wales's victor Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) will miss next week's G1 Coral-Eclipse S., a race that has been earmarked for G1 Prix d'Ispahan winner Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}).
“Mostahdaf has come out of it very good, said Gold. “I spoke to [trainer] John Gosden [Saturday] and he says he is bouncing.”
“The Eclipse is off the cards for Mostahdaf. We still have Anmaat in, ground permitting. If he's in good form and conditions look suitable, hopefully, we will go there with him.”
“I think we will be sitting still with Mostahdaf and, hopefully, get him to York in the same form in August.”
Listed winner Al Asifah (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who finished sixth after being supplemented to Thursday's G2 Ribblesdale S., will also be given some time off, according to Gold.
“We'll give her a break now and get her back in the autumn,” he said. “I still think she will be a very nice filly. We haven't even discussed targets. We will give her some gentle downtime, three weeks or so, then bring her back and take it from there.”
Dual Group 2 winner Mutasaabeq (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) will also be given a freshener following an eleventh in the GI Queen Anne S. Tuesday. Victorious in the G2 bet365 Mile at Newmarket May 5, the 5-year-old came home fifth in Newbury's G1 Lockinge S. May 20.
“We'll see what there is for him, but we will just give him a bit of time now,” he explained. “He's had three runs relatively quickly, but he's the sort of horse who could easily come out and win another Group 2 later in the year.”
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