Elarqam looking to get back on track in the Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury
Mark Johnston's well-bred colt is dropping back to a mile after latest defeat at York
THE Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury looks an El of an opening for Elarqam.
Mark Johnston's colt drops in class and trip in the search for his first win of the season.
The son of Frankel won a Group 3 last year and returned with an excellent fourth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
However, he flopped in the Irish 2000 Guineas when the 2-1 favourite and he was caught late when third over 1m2f in the York Stakes last time.
He will face just five rivals in the Sovereign and receives a 6lb weight for age allowance, and assistant trainer Charlie Johnston will be disappointed if he can't get his head back in front.
Johnston said: "It was great to get him out at York a couple of weeks ago.
TRACKMAN Andy Ayres has the inside scoop from the tracks this weekend
"Slightly frustrating as it looked like had won it for most of the straight, but the petrol gauge just ran empty that last 150 yards.
"It was a solid return to action, though, even if it was slightly disappointing not to win.
"We are dropping back to a mile off the back of that run which I hope will be OK.
"I wouldn't be surprised if we go back to a mile and a quarter later in the year.
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"This, though, looks like a good next spot for him.
"There are six runners and he is top-rated, so it would be nice to get him back in the winner's enclosure."
His main opponent could be Clive Cox's Zonderland, who won this race two years ago.
The five-year-old has been well beaten in Group 1 company this year, but his trainer is hopeful of a better run on Thursday.
Cox said: "Zonderland's form last year was very good. This is a race he has won in the past so he likes the track.
"Hopefully we can take a step forward after a couple of tame efforts so far this year.
"He gives me the impression he's back on the boil and we're very happy coming in here. Obviously his course form is very good having won this a couple of years ago.
"If you take his best form with Lightning Spear last year in the Celebration Mile we still think he's a horse worthy of succeeding at this level."
Top French trainer Andre Fabre has shipped over the improving Plumatic for the £76,500 race.
Hathal, Oh This Is Us and South Seas complete for the field with the race due off at 4.10.