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Former Derby contender Zawraq on comeback trail

Zawraq wins at Leopardstown under Pat Smullen from Sir Issac Newton
Zawraq wins at Leopardstown under Pat Smullen from Sir Issac Newton

Connections of Zawraq report the one-time Derby contender to be making steady progress as he continues to work towards a comeback.

While the Dermot Weld-trained colt is back cantering, no targets have been set for his reappearance.

The four-year-old holds an entry in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes in September.

The Shamardal colt is unbeaten in two starts to date and developed into a leading Derby hope last term after winning a 2000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown.

However, he was ruled out of the Epsom Classic just days before the race after suffering a crack in his off-fore cannon bone.

Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: "He has had problems which have been well documented.

"He was back cantering, then he went and suffered another set back as he tweaked a muscle in his shoulder.

"He is now back cantering and I saw him a few days ago. When they have that many problems, you can't make goals. It is a case of taking it a day at a time."

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