Conditions key to Almaqam aims

Suitable ground conditions will dictate where Brigadier Gerard Stakes winner Almaqam is seen next.

Always held in the highest regard by trainer Ed Walker, the Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum-owned four-year-old justified that faith at Sandown on Thursday evening with his all-the-way Group Three victory under Oisin Murphy.

“He’s come out of the race really well, he wants soft ground so the plan is to wait for rain and to go wherever we can find it,” said the Lambourn handler, who could hardly be in better form at the moment.

Ascot in October could prove tailor-made for the Lope De Vega colt, while he is engaged in another huge event at ParisLongchamp, where he was a head second last year to the ill-fated Jayarebe in the Prix Dollar.

Walker added: “Into the autumn we feel the the Champion Stakes is the perfect race for him really, although Oisin felt the mile and half might suit him and he is in the Arc – we’ll see.”