Haggas Says “Fragile” Maljoom Ready To Return But Lockinge “A Long Shot”

[Wandering Eyes]

William Haggas has described the Lockinge S. as “a long shot” for Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio) but said the talented older horse could get his campaign underway in the Paradise S. at Ascot. 

The German 2,000 Guineas winner has endured his share of training problems and was only seen once last season when disappointing in the Joel S. when returning from over a year's absence. 

However, the five-year-old is undoubtedly classy on his day, and Haggas is holding out hope that the real Maljoom can show up on the racecourse this season. 

The trainer said, “He's going to the Paradise Stakes on May 1 and then we will decide if he goes for the Lockinge. I wanted to run him earlier than that so the Lockinge is probably a long shot, but I need to get his show back on the road. He's in good shape.

“He's only run once since the St James's Palace and he's very much trying to get his show back on the road.”

Haggas added, “He's a talented horse but a fragile one, but to be fair to him he's trained very well this spring.”

Stablemate Montassib (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) started his season on a high note when landing the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster on the opening weekend of the turf season. The Duke Of York could await Haggas' runner and there are French contests also on the table.

“He needs a bit of cut in the ground and he's in the Duke Of York, he might go there,” the trainer said.

“The form of his race at Doncaster fell in a heap in the Abernant the other day and he could go for a Listed race at Chantilly on May 14-we might do that.”

One Haggas runner that will not be seen on a racecourse again is Sense Of Duty (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), a talented Group-winning mare whose career has been cut short by an injury.

“Regrettably, I think she has fractured her pelvis, so she will sadly be retired,” Haggas said.

“It's very frustrating for Andrew Stone who owns her, but she will make a broodmare for him. It's always horrible for a trainer when you know a horse has talent and you never get to the bottom of her.”

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