- Economics won what is seen as best trial for Epsom Derby back in May
- It is likely he will tackle the Group Two SkyBet Stakes on July 27
Economics, the brilliant winner of York’s Dante Stakes, is being prepared to make his eagerly-awaited reappearance at the same track this month.
Trained by William Haggas, Economics won what is regarded as the best trial for the Epsom Derby in stunning fashion back in May - he dismantled his rivals by more than six lengths.
There was disappointment when Haggas refused to assign his colt the task of running at Epsom in June - where he would have locked horns with Saturday’s hot favourite for the Coral-Eclipse, City Of Troy - but it was the right thing to do.
City Of Troy ended up being a breathtaking winner of the Derby and a bumper crowd is expected at Sandown to see whether he can justify the billing that his trainer Aidan O’Brien has given to him.
To see City Of Troy taking on Economics somewhere this year will be a race to behold as they both carry the ingredients that make racing so appealing - they have speed to burn, raw ability and distinctive looks.
Haggas was concerned about Economics not being physically and mentally mature enough to cope with Epsom but, having been given time to prosper, it is likely he will tackle the Group Two SkyBet Stakes on July 27.
After saddling Al Mubhir to win The Gala Stakes at Sandown on Friday, Haggas’s wife, Maureen, said: ‘He is absolutely fine and cantering away. Hopefully he will run in the SkyBet Stakes. That’s the plan.
‘There is a race in Deauville (on August 15) but it is not ideal for such an inexperienced horse to be put in a box and asked to travel so soon. Ideally, York would be the preference.
‘He is a big baby and we are not sure how he was able to do what he did at York. He’s got a leg in each county but William has always liked him. He won his first race at Newbury well but York was a big step forward.’
Al Mubhir was one of a number of excellent performances at Sandown on Friday, another came from the rapid sprinter Aesterius - a £380,000 purchase to join the Emir Of Qatar’s Wathnan Racing.
The biggest cheer, though, was reserved for the grand, old performer Trueshan who won the first race of his seventh campaign as a racehorse. The eight-year-old, ridden by Hollie Doyle, won the Esher Stakes as a 11/8 favourite should.
‘He’s just one of my favourites,’ said Doyle. ‘He could be running for another two or three years and still be winning Group One races then.’