Desert Crown back with Stoute and has King George as next season's main target

Desert Crown (Richard Kingscote) wins the DerbyEpsom 4.6.22 Pic: Edward Whitaker

Desert Crown: brilliant Derby winner set to be aimed at 2023 King GeorgeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Sidelined Derby hero Desert Crown returned to Sir Michael Stoute's yard in Newmarket on Saturday morning to prepare for a 2023 campaign that could be centred around the Group 1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

After his Epsom triumph, the unbeaten son of Nathaniel was being prepared for the Ascot feature in July until a foot problem arose which ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Desert Crown has spent the last few weeks turned out in a paddock at Sheikh Mohammed's flagship Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket. Owner Saeed Suhail's racing manager Bruce Raymond said on Saturday: "He looks a million dollars and went back to Sir Michael's this morning.

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David MilnesNewmarket correspondent

Published on 23 October 2022inNews

Last updated 09:29, 23 October 2022

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