Michael Jarvis will leave it until the last minute before deciding whether Elzaam runs in Saturday's Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
While the spotlight has been centred on the eagerly-anticipated clash between Saamidd, Frankel and Dream Ahead, Elzaam is very much the forgotten horse in the race.
After an eyecatching debut maiden victory at York in May, the son of Redoute's Choice was pipped a nose by Strong Suit in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot but ran below-par in the July Stakes at Newmarket, finishing fourth to Libranno.
‘There were valid excuses for Elzaam's display at Newmarket. He was a sick horse after that run and he scoped very dirty,’ said Jarvis.
‘I still see him as a progressive horse and would like to think that he can compete in the top class next year, so the 2000 Guineas is obviously a target, although a mile will be the limit of his stamina.’
The Newmarket trainer will equip Elzaam with blinkers for the first time wherever he runs and he will step up in trip.
‘I have yet to decide if we run him on Saturday. I still have to talk to his owner (Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum) and his racing manager Angus Gold, and decide if he takes his chance,’ added Jarvis.
‘If he doesn't, we will go for the Horris Hill Stakes (over seven furlongs at Newbury) the following week. Those are the only two options for him.
‘It's a very tough call. The Dewhurst looks a very hot race and he could run the race of his life and still finish fifth.
‘Either way, I will run him in a pair of blinkers for the first time. I'm told that in Australia a lot of the sire's progeny seem to run better in them. It will just help him concentrate a bit.
‘He's not the most extravagant worker, so you don't really know how much he has improved, but he looks physically very well.’
Dream Ahead was given the green light to contest a race that is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the season.
David Simcock's unbeaten dual Group One winner came through a workout in Newmarket with flying colours and now only the prospect of very quick ground will prevent him from lining up.
‘He had a blow. It was very routine, but it went grand and he did what he was asked,’ said Simcock.
‘It looks like it's all systems go for Saturday.
‘We're looking forward to it and the distance won't be a problem at all.’
