Zand set for Gallinule John Oxx hopes to run the highly-regarded Zand in the Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh later this month. Oxx went into the winter with a hope the Aga Khan-owned three-year-old would be a Derby contender after he beat Dermot Weld's Ghaamer easily in a Leopardstown maiden in October. Unfortunately, a series of minor setbacks meant he had to miss the Ballysax and Derrinstown Derby Trials, with Oxx now setting his sights on the Gallinule on May 26. "Zand has struggled with quarter cracks so he didn't make it in time for Sunday (Derrinstown)," said Oxx. "He'll run in two weeks' time in the Gallinule Stakes. His form has worked out well - Dermot's horse was impressive recently - but it has to be really tested yet. He's in good shape now and needs to run. "It's difficult to know what will be his ideal trip but we'll start him off at 10 furlongs and see how he gets on. "He's by Zamindar out of a Kahyasi mare which is a cross-breed the Aga Khan likes to use. "Zarkava was out of a Kahyasi mare and she was able to win at all kinds of distances. Zamindar brings the speed and Kahyasi the stamina."
