Trainer James Fanshawe is likely to make a late call on whether Deacon Blues will be ready in time for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The six-year-old has been off the course since winning the British Champions Sprint Stakes at the Berkshire track in October 2011.
He is back in full work but the Royal meeting may just come too soon for the 2011 Wokingham hero, who requires some cut in the ground.
“He’s been galloping, but whether we get to Ascot I’m not sure at the moment. It will be fairly close to the date before we make a final decision on him,” said the Newmarket handler.
“It’s just a case of if he’s ready to go. We’ve still got 14 days and he’s one that needs cut in the ground.”
Deacon Blues also holds an entry in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket.
Fanshawe has at least one leading contender for the Diamond Jubilee in Society Rock. Fifth last year after being slowly away, he won the race in 2011 and is fresh from victory in the Duke of York Stakes last month.
“He’s in good form and has come out of York in good shape. He looks really well,” said the trainer.
Fanshawe is praying for rain for his Gold Cup possible High Jinx, who shaped well on his seasonal debut when fourth to Gloomy Sunday in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown last week.
“He’s fine after his race at Sandown. We’ll just play it by ear. He wouldn’t go (to Ascot) if the ground was very firm,” he said.
