Rashabar workout could help make Classic plans clearer

A decision on whether Rashabar will be targeted at the Betfred 2000 Guineas or the French equivalent will be delayed until after a crucial workout later this week.

A shock 80-1 winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, Brian Meehan’s colt went on to suffer successive narrow defeats at Group One level in the Prix Morny at Deauville and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp.

Meehan warned his charge would improve for the run on his return to action in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury earlier this month and was therefore delighted with his performance in finishing second to Andrew Balding’s Jonquil, who appears bound for the French Guineas.

A rematch could be on the cards in Paris next month, but Meehan is not ruling out the possibility of keeping Rashabar on home soil for the first colts’ Classic of the season on the Rowley Mile.

“He’s going to work this week, so we’ll see where that takes us,” said the Manton handler.

“The run at Newbury was just what I wanted and I was very happy with it, so we’ll work him this week and make some sort of decision then.”

Whether Rashabar runs at Newmarket or ParisLongchamp he will be stepping up to a mile for the first time, but Meehan is unconcerned, adding: “A mile was never going to be a problem.”