Godolphin have high hopes with Al Zir It is 11 years since Island Sands provided Godolphin with their last StanJames.com 2000 Guineas winner, but hopes are high Al Zir can end the drought on Saturday. The imposing son of Medaglia D'Oro won his first two starts in impressive fashion before finishing a fine third behind St Nicholas Abbey in the Racing Post Trophy. Having completed his last serious piece of work on Monday, trainer Saeed bin Suroor is looking forward to the race. "Al Zir is doing good, he worked yesterday and that was the last piece of work for him," said Bin Suroor. "He worked very well. Frankie (Dettori) rode him in the morning and he was very happy with him. I was really happy with the way he finished his work. "Today he is in good form and is a happy horse and is ready for the race. "The weather has helped him, he is looking really well and as long as the ground is safe that will be fine for him. "He was a big horse last year and he has grown again, but he has got stronger and is improving all the time physically. "The trip will be no problem this weekend and he can go further later in the season - definitely a mile and a quarter, maybe even a mile and a half. "Going a distance will suit him much better." Bin Suroor also has Poet's Voice entered, but a trip overseas for the French Guineas is more likely for Champagne Stakes winner. "Poet's Voice is in good form, he's healthy and sound but we are more likely to take him to the French Guineas," added Bin Suroor. "We will see closer to the race, but France is more than likely."
