Telescope rests up to get ready for next year

The three-year-colt, owned by a Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicate that includes Sir Alex Ferguson, will not run again this season and will be prepared for racing next term.

Connections are hoping the one-time Derby favourite, who has had an interrupted year, will enjoy better fortunes in 2014.

He did at least sign off in style with victory in the Neptune Investment Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month under Ryan Moore.

“He’s fine, he’s had the chip removed, and he’s back with Sir Michael,” said Highclere managing director Harry Herbert.

“It was a minor operation but he’s back and we’re very pleased with how it’s all gone.

“He’ll have an easy time now until hopefully an exciting and busy campaign as a four-year-old.”

Highclere are also responsible for the four-year-old Bonfire – the winner of last year’s Dante Stakes at York – who will attempt to get his career back on track in the Dubai Duty Free Conditions Stakes at Newbury today.

The highly-regarded gelding disappointed on his last start when last of seven to Danadana in the Huxley Stakes at Chester in May after a promising effort on his reappearance in the Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket, where he was third to Mull Of Killough.

However, Bonfire – who was unplaced in the 2012 Epsom Derby – has been pleasing trainer Andrew Balding on the gallops and hopes are high he can show his true form in the nine-furlong contest.

“It certainly looks the right race for him – the conditions of the race, the ground being on the easy side will suit him and Andrew Balding reports him to be in very good form at home,” said the aforementioned Herbert.

“It’s an eagerly-awaited return to action by all of us. It looks the right spot for him to have a chance of being competitive.

“He’s been going well at home and going back in trip might suit him as there is an awful lot of speed on his dam’s side. Looking at the competition we would hope he’d be in with a shout.”