Makin sets lofty heights for Hickory Lad

Phillip Makin has more Group-race targets in mind for Hickory Lad following a creditable effort in the July Stakes at Newmarket last week.

The winner of a Musselburgh novice event on his second start before filling the runner-up spot behind the speedy Adonius in the Lily Agnes at Chester, the James Garfield colt then landed the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom to earn himself a step up in class.

And while he finished last of three runners at Group Two level on the July course, he was beaten less than three lengths by the highly-regarded winner Inner City Blues and Makin feels there are reasons to belief he is capable of better in different circumstances.

“I was happy with how he ran and he did a bit wrong as well – he was just a bit keen and he seemed to roll around on the ground a bit too,” said the Middleham-based trainer.

“With three runners it was always going to be a little bit tactical and back in a normal sized field and back on easier ground maybe, I think he can definitely compete at that level.

“He wasn’t beaten far and ran a decent race.”

Hickory Lad has the option of turning out quickly for the Listed Apple Print & Creative Rose Bowl Stakes at Newbury on Friday, but he is more likely to be given more time to recover from his Newmarket exertions.

Makin added: “I don’t think he’ll run at Newbury. He might go to Goodwood (Richmond Stakes) or possibly York (Gimcrack Stakes).

“We’ll stick to six furlongs I think and see how we go.”