Hopes High For Aqaleem

Marcus Tregoning believes he could have a possible contender for the Vodafone Derby in Aqaleem.

Tregoning, who captured the premier Classic last June with Sir Percy, has been delighted with the progress the son of 2000 Derby hero Sinndar has made over the winter.

'He's a very athletic type and I've certainly been very pleased with his progress through the winter,' said the Lambourn trainer.

'He's not totally exposed and there may be more to come and this horse has the right constitution for it.

'Hopefully he can develop and show he is a really nice horse as that's the main thing. He's had a really good winter.'

Aqaleem, owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, has yet to win a race but showed plenty of promise in both his outings as a two-year-old.

After finishing third to Lunces Lad in a seven-furlong maiden at Newbury in August, he returned to the Berkshire track a month later taking second spot behind Teslin over a mile when he was a head in front of subsequent Racing Post Trophy winner Authorized.

'He's obviously got to go and crack his maiden first of all and then he may go and run in a trial if we think he's good enough,' Tregoning told At The Races.

(C) PA Sport