Irish 2000 Guineas: Mark Johnston’s Elarqam has Curragh option after Newmarket fourth
Elarqam was last seen finishing fourth behind Saxon Warrior in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas
MARK JOHNSTON has the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas in mind for his regally-bred Elarqam.
The colt was far from disgraced when finishing fourth behind Saxon Warrior in the English equivalent at Newmarket when last seen.
And Johnston reckons he can continue to mix it with the best over a mile, despite the fact he is likely to race over further later this season, and has ruled out a crack at the Dante.
Johnston told At The Races: "He'll definitely not go for the Dante. We will look at the Irish Guineas and possibly the French Derby.
"If all is well, you could well see him next Saturday in the Irish Guineas (May 26).
"He is absolutely fine. He messed about in the stalls and kicked the back gate.
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"He had a few grazes on his hind legs, nothing of any consequence. Apart from that he's come out of the race really well. He's back cantering already.
"You could expect him to come on for the race. He'll be sharper for it.
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"There is every indication you will see him over a mile and a quarter or even more before the end of the year but at the moment we are confident that he is good enough and sharp enough for Group 1s over a mile."
Elarqam was having just his third run of his career when finishing fourth at Newmarket.
He had previously won at York before notching up a Group 3 win in September on his final start of last season.