Connections Issue Aqaleem Warning

Aqaleem, 7-2 favourite for the Ladbrokes St Leger with the sponsors, is not certain to head for the Doncaster Classic.

After winning the Lingfield Derby Trial, Marcus Tregoning's charge ran a blinder to finish third in the Derby.

He then headed to the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood but could finish only second behind the Aidan O'Brien-trained Yellowstone in a slowly-run affair.

'I think we were unlucky in the Gordon, taking nothing away from the winner. They went a steady pace and I'm sure Richard (Hills) would agree he was a bit further back than he would have wanted to be,' said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.

'He was kept in a pocket and he is not a horse that can instantly pick up and quicken. He just sort of galloped on and the line came too soon.

'Personally, I thought he would have won if he had been a bit closer but that's racing and we move on and maybe head towards Doncaster.

'I don't think there are any doubts that he will stay the trip at Doncaster, certainly not if you look at his pedigree and nobody has ever questioned the fact that he might not (stay).

'I must make the point before everybody backs him that Sheikh Hamdan has yet to confirm that he will run in the Leger,' Gold told At The Races.

'We will wait and see how the horse is nearer the time. Sheikh Hamdan owns him and he can run him wherever he wants and it has never been a lucky race for him so he may decide to keep him to shorter trips for now.

'We must also remember that he is a very physically immature horse, which we have always said, and he will be a better horse next year and the Leger could be too much for him at this stage of his career.

'It's all up in the air as yet, but only because I haven't had a chance to talk to him (Sheikh Hamdan) about it. I do know that Marcus is very happy with him so we will make a decision nearer the time.'

(C) PA Sport