John Oxx reports his crack miler Azamour bang on target for the Juddmonte International at York on August 17. The son of Night Shift is likely to clash with Rakti and French ace Bago in what promises to be a fascinating renewal of the Group One highlight.
Oxx has been happy with Azamour since he won the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and is looking forward to seeing his charge try a mile and a quarter for the first time. "He's in good form and all is well with him - he's still on course for York," Oxx said today.
"We're looking forward to it and hopefully the increase in distance will suit him well, but until they do it you don't know for sure, especially against opposition like that. But the indications are that he'd be happier going more than a mile and he seems to be progressing the right way."
The lightly-raced Azamour caught the eye when a fast-finishing third to Haafhd on his seasonal reappearance in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May. He was favourite to land the Irish equivalent on his next start but was beaten a length into second by Bachelor Duke.
Filed by Katie Byrne
