Dubawi Fifty made an excellent comeback when finishing an agonising second to Alan King's Who Dares Wins in the Northumberland Plate at the weekend, which has now warranted a potential crack at the big Sky Bet Ebor Handicap at York in late August.
Connections of the six-year-old still have the option to take up entries in the two-mile Marsh Cup at Newbury on July 20 and or the Qatar Summer Handicap over a 1m6f at Goodwood on August 3.
Karen McLintock's flag bearer in many ways, was making his first start since finishing as the runner-up in the Ascot Stakes of last year at Royal Ascot, which was won by Willie Mullins' Lagostovegas.
The Paul and Clare Rooney owned gelding looked like he had never been away for a day at his local track of Newcastle just a few days ago, impressing all at his racing fitness and sharpness.
(Credit: AtTheRaces) Trainer McLintock said: “We haven’t made any definite plans.
“We are considering Newbury; there’s an open handicap at Goodwood over a mile six, and I intend to put an entry into the Ebor.”
“I didn’t think he’d be quick enough for the Ebor.. instead I thought he was more of a stayer – but on Saturday he travelled well, and I think he’s stronger now.
“I was impressed with the way he travelled, so I thought I’d put an entry in and see. We’re just mulling those over.”
McLintock, who trains less than twenty miles from the Gosforth Park track at Ingoe, was delighted with his performance having been sidelined with injury for such a long time.
She continued: “I was absolutely thrilled with him.
“It was nice. The region was behind him. Hopefully he’ll get his day one day.
“Touch wood he seems grand. He’s bright and well which is a big relief.”
The son of Dubawi will now hope to put his past problems behind him, and focus on bettering his already prolific turf form.
In fifteen career starts, five have been on the turf yielding two victories, and he has gone close in also the Chester Cup and the Cesarewitch of 2017 at Newmarket.
His profile appears to grow with each run, and a spell on consecutive runs could see him take in some more valuable prize money for the yard and owners.
The Sky Bet Ebor Festival commences on Wednesday 21st August, with the big race on Saturday 24th August.