Veracious on target to return at Newmarket

Newmarket winner Veracious (left) is due to reappear next month.

Having opened her account at Group One level on her last start in the Falmouth Stakes in July with a fine frontrunning ride under champion jockey-elect Oisin Murphy, the daughter of Frankel will bid to follow up by giving trainer Sir Michael Stoute a fifth victory in the mile contest.

Although not sighted for more than two months, the Cheveley Park Stud-owned four-year-old is reported in good order for her intended comeback on October 5.

Cheveley Park Stud managing director Chris Richardson said: “Veracious is heading to the Sun Chariot, all being well.

“She has been fine, and Sir Michael Stoute just wanted to freshen her up and let her come into it in her own time.

“We are very happy with her, and she worked well on Saturday. All being well, the intention is to let her cruise into the race now.”

The prospects of Veracious staying in training beyond her next start look increasing likely with her owners appearing keen to keep her in training next season.

Danzeno, third favourite with some bookmakers for Saturday’s William Hill Ayr Gold Cup, is unlikely to take his chance.

With the ground drying out and little rain forecast, trainer Mick Appleby fears conditions would be against him.

While it is a blow to connections, given the eight-year-old has returned to something approaching his best form this season, Appleby is content to wait for more suitable conditions later in the season. “I don’t think he’s going to go, now the ground has dried up,” he said.