Minzaal facing Royal Ascot fitness race

Trainer Owen Burrows has confirms Minzaal will miss the first part of the season, putting his Royal Ascot participation in doubt.

Minzaal made a promising start to his career when finishing fourth at Ascot last year in the Anders Foundation British EBF Crocker Bulteel Maiden Stakes, which went to the Richard Hannon-trained Mohawk King.

Burrows' charge then recorded back-to-back victories at Salisbury and York before ending up third at Newmarket in the Group 1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes on his latest outing.

Connections had planned for Minzaal to feature at Royal Ascot this summer, with the Commonwealth Cup on the agenda, but those plans may have to change following an injury to the two-year-old.

“Unfortunately Minzaal injured himself in his box before Christmas,” Burrows said, as quoted by Sky Sports. “He's had to have surgery and he's back at Shadwell at the moment recuperating.

“Whether or not he'll make Ascot will be just determined on how he progresses now. It's a shame. He must have banged a hind leg and has had a couple of chips removed off his hocks.

“Obviously the Commonwealth Cup was the plan. There's still a small chance. God willing, we'll have him back at some stage this year.”