Jelani up for the cup
Andy Turnell is hoping for an improved effort from Jelani in the Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup tomorrow on what will be his third run following a long lay-off.
The five-year-old looked to have a bright future ahead of him when he finished fourth at 100-1 to High Chaparral in the 2002 Vodafone Derby.
Although he won his next start at Haydock, he missed out on a crack at the St Leger with a tendon injury which kept him off the track for 22 months.
His two comeback runs at Newbury and Newmarket were disappointing, but Turnell puts that down to the Darshaan entire badly needing the outings and his failure to settle.
“He seems well in himself and we are hoping for the best. It’s took a while to get him fit after his long lay-off,” said the Malton trainer ahead of the £140,000-added Group Two contest over a mile and three-quarters.
“He’s patently been running too free. We’re hoping to get him settled tomorrow and we’ll see if gets the extra two furlongs.”
How he performs in his first attempt at the trip will determine future plans.
“He’s in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot over a mile and a half and we have the option of a Cup campaign if his legs hold out,” added Turnell.
