Hoskins hoping for soft ground

Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds, has admitted that Tullius could race at Newbury on May 16.

The seven-year-old was in disappointing form at Sandown last Friday but connections found a lot of mucus after the race.

Hoskins admitted the ground didn’t suit him on that occasion but they are hoping for softer ground in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 16. If the ground doesn’t change in their favour, the Listed 888sport Festival Stakes at Goodwood a week later is another option.

He said: “He’s usually such a consistent horse, but Sandown was markedly below par.

“He’s worth another chance. He stays in the Lockinge, and if it’s on the soft side he’ll run in that.

“There’s also a race at Goodwood, but that’s just a bit of a back-up in case the ground goes against us.”