'He's well entered up' - Sakheer cut for Middle Park after easy success

Thursday: Haydock

Big-money purchase Sakheer put himself in contention for a crack at the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes later this month after cruising to an impressive victory in the 5f novice.

The Roger Varian-trained colt, who cost Bahraini owners KHK Racing €550,000 in May, finished second to Magical Sunset on his debut at Windsor last month but did not come off the bridle as he got off the mark at the second attempt under David Egan.

Sakheer holds entries for the Mill Reef at Newbury on September 17 and Middle Park at Newmarket seven days later, for which he was cut to 8-1 (from 14) by Paddy Power.

Varian will discuss future targets with the owners but was delighted with what he saw from the son of Zoffany, who returned at 1-2.

Speaking from Salisbury where he had more juvenile joy with Eximious in the 7f fillies' maiden, Varian said: "He's smart, I've always liked him. He ran well on debut and showed promise, he's taken a step forward. I'm not sure of the merits of the race but he won like a very nice horse.

"He's well entered up and hopefully he can turn up in one of the nice autumn races. I haven't spoken to the owners yet, I only watched it on the screen so we'll take it home and digest. We liked watching it."

Varian looked to have a strong chance of a double at Haydock, but 8-15 favourite Dubai Poet was turned over in the 7f conditions race by Saleymm under William Buick, who had earlier won the mile novice on Castle Way.

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